BM0Z405B

Module code

BM0Z405B

Module title

Research Practice

Prescription

In this course students develop practice in selected areas of contemporary visual arts, communication or music practice through an extended research project. These projects will consist of both practical and theoretical research. Students will be required to develop and implement a research methodology which synthesises and amplifies previous and concurrent experience in the examination of negotiated content. Research proposals will be developed which account for student's research projects and make reference to specialised bodies of contextual discourse appropriate to the students' selected field of enquiry. This project will occur within a structured supervisory framework which facilitates self- directed research, allowing the student to identify subject appropriate procedures of enquiry, and implementation.

Programmes

BM0001

NZQA Level

Level 8

NZQA Credits

90

Delivery method

Not Web enabled

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 900

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: 2 LEARNING OUTCOMES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
2.1 Demonstrate ability to provide a systematic and coherent account of specific knowledge, principles, methodologies and contextual norms of a communication, visual arts or music domain
- document research questions with respect to specific knowledge, principles, methodologies and contextual norms of a communication, visual arts or music domain
- present research questions and outcomes in the context of critiques and assessments with reference to the knowledge, principles, methodologies and contextual norms of a communication, visual arts or music domain
- structure, document and develop a coherent argument
- develop theoretical propositions in oral form

2.2 Demonstrate the exercise of intellectual independence, critical thinking and analytic rigour
- isolate appropriate research questions
- generate and refine appropriate strategies for responding to research questions
- make appropriate responses to criticism from peers, supervisors, and other relevant parties such as focus groups
- critically reflect on and respond to all aspects of own performance
- describe a theoretical position and utilize it in the examination of a research context
- identify conflicts, parallels, ambiguities in specific research contexts

2.3 Demonstrate ability to engage in self directed learning
- consider and reflect upon the relationship between an adopted practice and the research outcome;
- continuously self-evaluate performances independent of institutional assessment;
- participate in self-peer critiques for ongoing formative assessment;
- participate in supervisor-self critiques for ongoing formative assessment;
- conduct seminar presentations of formative practice with peers and tutors.

2.4 Demonstrate competent communication skills
- negotiate all aspects of project with supervisors
- negotiate and document all collaborative aspects of projects
- make relevant contributions to peer critiques and assessments
- engage in formal presentations of work
- engage in informal discussions in the context of seminars
- describe, interpret and compare particular works, products or performances in context
- conduct seminar presentations of contextual and theoretical material relevant to own research practice

2.5 Acquire knowledge in research in a specific field of contemporary communication, visual arts or music practice
- generate and refine a research proposal instrumental in a research project
- demonstrate advanced procedural knowledge, skills and techniques particular to the selected field of practice in the production of a specific product, performance or body of work;
- produce a body of work, product or performance in which student's previous knowledge of the domain is questioned and advanced
- produce a body of work, product or performance consistent with current norms in practice and discourse of it's domain
- develop and apply a research methodology that consolidates knowledge in a selected field of enquiry;
- identify and negotiate suitable research questions
- demonstrate ability to document, present and test research outcomes;
- reflect critically upon own work and the discourse and practice that surrounds it.
- discuss formative practice with peers and tutors.
- document research questions in conjunction with relevant contextual sources
- acquire and assess information from selected sources
- examine and apply a contemporary model of ethics in research practice

2.6 Understand a body of discourse that surrounds a specific cultural practice
- give coherent written account of selected contextual discourse in a specific field of communication, visual arts or music practice
- reflect critically upon relationships between a practice /studio based research project and a discourse that surrounds it
Content: CONTENT AND PROCESS
3.1 Research Method Seminars:
Presentations by practicing researchers both within the field of communication, art, music and design and outside those fields. Possible topics may include: archiving, investigative methods, qualitative surveys/ focus groups, interviews, quantitative surveys, documentary conventions, advertising conventions, various approaches adopted by communication, music or visual arts practitioners, research ethics including polytechnic policies, relevant industry codes, copyright, intellectual property.

3.2 Practical Project
Development of practical research proposal
Formal presentation of practical project.

3.3 Research Document
Development research document to support practical project
Conduct seminar with supervisors and peers to articulate relationships between theoretical, contextual issues and research practice
Formal presentation of research document incorparated into presentation of practical pr
Teaching and Learning Strategy: LEARNING PROCESS

Teaching and Learning
Students learning will be supported by a practical supervisor and a theory supervisor.
The practical supervisor has responsibilty for :
Negotiating and approving research contract
Critiquing practical work
Critiquing the research paper
Assessing practical work
Assessing the research paper
Informing students about adequacy of performance

The theory supervisor will be responsible for :
Negotiating and approving research contracts in consultation with the practical supervisor
Critiquing the research paper
Critiquing practical work in consultation with the practical supervisor
Assessing the research paper in consultation with the practical supervisor
Informing students about adequacy of performance

BM0Z405B – Research Practice