Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

Within this unit, Animation Research: Themes and Focus, you will produce a piece of sustained academic writing. With guidance from your Unit Tutor, you will identify links between your animation topic and the relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks. You will undertake an extensive literature search and you will review your research to confirm the viability of your proposal. You will formulate the question that will inform your specific line of critical enquiry.

Outline Syllabus

• Research methodology 
• Exploration of potential research themes 
• Advanced online database research 
• Literature review: a critical, analytical synopsis of your research 
• Development of critical argument 
• Commit to Study Options 
• Bibliography (following AUCB academic conventions)

Method of Delivery 
Lectures; seminars; library research skills tuition; individual and group tutorials.

Aims

A1 To develop an ability to identify links between your animation topic and the relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
A2 To develop an understanding of the various processes and methods of research and critical appraisal.
A3 To develop the organisational skills which will enable independent learning and self- management.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate your ability to make links between your animation topic and relevant theoretical/conceptual frameworks.
LO2 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the various processes and methods of research and critical appraisal.
LO3 Demonstrate the application of organisational skills and evidence of an advanced level of independent learning and self-management.

Reference Material
The selection of books will vary according to your individual interests and chosen area of study. Unit tutors will provide you with guidance regarding key and recommended reference material.

Key
Bell, J. (1999) Doing your research project. (3rd ed.). Buckingham: Open University Press.
Gash, S. (1999) Effective literature searching for research. (2nd ed.). Aldershot: Gower Press.
Hart, C. (2001) Doing a literature search. London: Sage.

Recommended
Glatthorn, A. (1998) Writing the winning dissertation. Thousand Oaks, Ca: Corwin Press.
Rudestam, K. (2000) Surviving your dissertation. London: Sage.
Swetnam,D. (1997) Writing your dissertation – how to plan, prepare, and present your work successfully. (2nd ed.) Oxford: Oxford University Press.
William, N. (2001) Your research project. London: Sage.

Additional guidance on primary and secondary sources and other appropriate material will be provided by your tutor and Subject Librarian.