Module: ACT6000-20 Acting Independent Study

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Andrew Cowie

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.cowie2@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module focuses on the development of a complex idea or argument. It emphasises how to select the best means of investigating an idea and results in a significant artefact that expresses a sustained argument or creative vision. This should reflect independent research and/or practical investigation.

This module aims to:

• Provide a collaborative environment in which to develop an area of independent study

• Foster a positive approach to lifelong learning and career development

• Facilitate the expression of ideas within a professional and/or academic context

2. Outline syllabus:

The initial, formative stage is to negotiate a project brief with tutors. If you are taking this module in semester 2, after having taken the Research Project module in semester 1, this project negotiation clarifies or revises the brief accounting for any changes that have arisen from the research.

The final submission is a 5,000-word essay; a practical study of equivalent scale; or study that balances practical and written elements. You test this in tutorials and agree on a project negotiation.

You can work individually on a single study, or choose to work collaboratively on a piece of shared research, performance or blended project. Staff encourage such collaboration.

For any shared project, you must in your project negotiations indicate your roles and focus in the study. A group submission is not allowed. In negotiating the project, it must be clear that each member of the group has clearly identified their role in the project and their topic of investigation.

How you present the final submission is integral to demonstrating the advanced critical thinking at the heart of this module. An indicative final submission might be a performance piece with an accompanying analysis. It could be a conventional essay. It could be a combination of a personal write-up drawing on a shared experiment. It could be a portfolio of work, but this must not exceed the word count or equivalent. 

3. Teaching and learning activities:

This study module focuses on independent learning, in line with the FHEQ level 6 descriptor. There is some initial lecture delivery around research and planning, but in the main tutor contact is through advisory tutorials to support the study choice and planning. There are subsequent check-up points. In developing a project brief, you should articulate clearly how you intend to process your learning and manage it over the duration of the module.

The formative assessment is though tutorials and a discussion of a draft project brief.

The summative assessment is the negotiated project brief (or a revised version drawing on research outcomes) and then the final project submission.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Final Project (5,000 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 100%