essays

Brief for Unit 2


=**PROJECT PROPOSAL**=



Proposal Structure/Subtitles

 * 1. Working Title:**

This should express the main area of investigation, implying its questions and potential argument or standpoint. While being a working title, which will inevitably change over time, it is important that you are as specific and precise as possible. The title should be brief, and reflect the main question of the project. You should avoid over-long or technical words, and phrases such as ‘an investigation into…’.


 * 2. Aims + Objectives:**

Define briefly your subject and the main concerns of the investigation, including a set of aims and objectives that will guide your research. Your proposal is primarily practice based, you should also use this section to describe your vision of your practice and the way in which you work in your practice on your preoccupations and concerns. After defining your subject, you might find it helpful to think about the main concerns of the project as questions you are asking yourself, to which you hope to find the answer. The aims and objectives are important because they, in a sense, declare the criteria for your investigation, against which the success or failure of your project can be assessed. If you find it difficult to articulate your aims and objectives you might find it helpful to think of your aim as the most significant questions or problems you hope to tackle. Your objectives are the steps by which you will meet this aim. Your proposal should normally have one or two aims, followed by a series of around 6 objectives. The idea is that by the time you have met all your objectives, you should have achieved your aim.


 * 3. Context [Including Historical, Contemporary and Theoretical Contexts]:**

There is no single history that suits all investigations but you should identify the various strands of history that relate to your particular research. It may be a history of ideas and concepts that have influenced the development of a particular area of art and design, the history of the medium or technology in which you work, or a particular part of the history of Art or Design.

As far as you are able, define the contemporary work that relates to your field of investigation. You must do this for the following reasons:

to demonstrate that you are aware of the field in which you are working

to demonstrate that your proposed research will have distinct feature which will make it potentially original

to form the basis of links with other research work to which you will contribute or on which you will build.

You should be able to demonstrate the ways in which you evaluate your own work and that of others, and the sources you use to inform your evaluation. A theoretical context will help you avoid simply asserting a position and support you in the reflective approach that is needed for a research degree. Three different kinds of theoretical context are outlined below (but these are not exhaustive and you may prefer a different model). They are defined with a bias towards a practice-based proposal. If your proposal is entirely theoretical and critical, only the first and possibly the second might apply:

Critical Theory – definition of the critical concepts and terms you will use in order to evaluate or critique your experimental work

Parallel Theory – definition of theoretical fields which may share concepts with your experimental work but there is no simple, direct relationship. This acknowledges that practice and theory are seen as distinct discourses.

Projective or Generative Theory – theory that is used to define intention and guide the experimental work you will do.


 * 4: Methodology:**

try to describe the basic methods and procedures you will adopt in discovering and recording research information

if it is a practice based proposal, how does the theory relate to the practical experimentation

what is the theory for?

what process of experimentation will you use?

how will you record what you do and keep track of what you have done?


 * 5. Outcomes**:

Think about the form of the final presentation


 * 7. Work Plan:**

Make a prediction of the major stages of the work (probably not more than 5) and the minor subdivisions (if appropriate). Take care if aspects of the research will run concurrently.


 * 8. Bibliography:**

This is a list of all sources you will or intend to use during the project. This is everything form film, books, research papers + journals, websites / repositories, magazines etc. We expect to see a mixture of sources, and you need to consider accuracy. Some basic rules are:

Web - often self publish and not peer reviewed – so try to make sure your quotes are supported form more then one source. Some research sites are peer reviewed.

Book – data is often considered accurate, but not always up to date. The publishing process is often slow, so a couple of years could have passed since the book was researched and written.

Papers / Journals – these are considered the update resources and they are peer reviewed, so the information is considered accurate.

Magazines – often not peer reviewed and may follow editorial policy - so could ignore fact or represent information in a 'directed' fashion

finally primary research – talking directly to an author/artist – this is the best kind of research because its form the source, and not a secondary source as above.

The Library inductions will expand on this and help you define your bibliography.

=Unit 2 assessment brief for FT only:=

Please note, we wish to assess all work carried out after the unit 1 assessment. Any work prior to that date may not be included.
 * UNIT 2 Assessment**

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

Realise the Project Proposal and prepare towards final exhibition.

Present a resolved body of creative practice that has evidenced the systematic enhancement of your knowledge and understanding.

Analyse and reflect coherently upon your own practice and others through your presentation at the programmed symposium forming a synthesis of your practice-based research.

Summarise your overall progress and formulate a constructive plan for continuing Personal and Professional Development.

Participation in the symposium
 * Assessment Evidence**

The Research portfolio, containing the project proposal, reflective journal, research and context, writing, presentations and visual documentation

Written papers synthesised from your reflective journals and to include an evaluation of your practice in relation to the project proposal and to include a reference to your future development. (2000-3000 words overall)

Practical work resolved according to your proposal and presented professionally as part of a the final exhibition

You are required to curate your assessment. A separate page / section of your blog is required, with a title such as UNIT 2 ASSESSMENT. The idea of this is to indicate to the staff and your peers your understanding of the knowledge that you have developed over the unit. This is contextual knowledge, professional skills that you have developed. Knowledge that has been obtained though systematic rigour such as 'action research', etc.

You are expected to align the assessment evidence [including evidence not listed above] to the learning outcomes. With some reflective statements about the work, outcomes and processes. Remember, problematic as well well as successful outcomes are just as valid for this process. It is important that each learning outcome is supported by two or more pieces of evidence. Be specific when referring to the blogs. i.e. cit and paste add links.

Please make sure all liabilities are cleared – library books + fines, Halls of residence fees etc. Failure to do so will stop the release of your grade + result. 22nd June - Essay Submission 29th June - Show build starts 6th July – Assessment starts 13th July – External Examiner. 14th July – Exam Board – Private View from 6.30pm 19th July – Last day of the show 20th July Show is taken down

You all need to agree an invigilation roster, to ensure all spaces are occupied by a minimum of two people. Any spaces unoccupied will be shut.

A spec sheet, with instructions for your work must be submitted to me so we have a switch on/off manual for all to use when on duty. Even the simplest of work needs one.

=Unit 3 assessment brief for PT2 and OL2 only:=


 * UNIT 3 Assessment**

Please note, we wish to assess all work carried out after the unit 2 assessment. Any work prior to that date may not be included.

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

An ability to resolve work according to the objectives deﬁned in your proposal

An ability to articulate and debate issues pertaining to digital representation and presentation in relation to audiences and professional contexts

Practical skills in negotiation, organisation, promotion and realisation hosting of an on-line exhibition whilst working as a member of a team

An ability to analyse and reﬂect critically upon your own and others’ work in the context of current practice

An ability to evaluate and summarise your overall progress and formulate a con- structive plan for continuing professional development

An ability to produce work that reﬂects the concerns of the course of study and current research in digital arts

On-line text / diagrammatic /visual / aural presentation of your work, demonstrating a critical understanding of digital arts and how your work relates to current thinking and research in Digital Arts
 * Assessment Evidence**

Practical work resolved according to your proposal and presented professionally as part of a on-line group event

Supporting research material in appropriate form

On-line log documenting your role as a member of the exhibition/presentation team

A written report in two parts: artist’s statement - explanatory comment and critical evaluation of your own work in the context of current creative practice and reﬂec- tion - a critical analysis of outcomes compared with intentions, a review of overall progress and outline plan for further development (1000 - 1500 words)

You are required to curate your assessment. A separate page / section of your blog is required, with a title such as UNIT 3 ASSESSMENT. The idea of this is to indicate to the staff and your peers your understanding of the knowledge that you have developed over the unit. This is contextual knowledge, professional skills that you have developed. Knowledge that has been obtained though systematic rigour such as 'action research', etc.

You are expected to align the assessment evidence [including evidence not listed above] to the learning outcomes. With some reflective statements about the work, outcomes and processes. Remember, problematic as well well as successful outcomes are just as valid for this process.

It is important that each learning outcome is supported by two or more pieces of evidence. Be specific when referring to the blogs. i.e. cit and paste add links.

Just to confirm dates for you:

Please make sure all liabilities are cleared – library books + fines, Halls of residence fees etc. Failure to do so will stop the release of your grade + result. 22nd June - Essay Submission 29th June - Show build starts 6th July – Assessment starts 13th July – External Examiner. 14th July – Exam Board – Private View from 6.30pm 19th July – Last day of the show 20th July Show is taken down

You all need to agree an invigilation roster, to ensure all spaces are occupied by a minimum of two people. Any spaces unoccupied will be shut.

A spec sheet, with instructions for your work must be submitted to me so we have a switch on/off manual for all to use when on duty. Even the simplest of work needs one.


 * Required from PT1 and OL1 for the 22nd June:**

1_Research Question 2_Abstract [300 words] 3_Bibliography

These are to be added to your blogs and email to Andy and Jonathan.

Here are a couple of links that give some definition to an 'Abstract':

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/abstract.htm http://papyr.com/hypertextbooks/comp2/abstract.htm


 * Part Time 1+Online 1 Research Paper Breifing:**

Camberwell College of Arts MA Visual Arts Course 2008-09

Unit 1 - Research Paper - Brief

For this assignment you are asked to write a paper in essay form addressing a research question of your choice. This question should address an issue or theoretical concern that is central to your practice and relates to the contemporary culture of art and design and contributes to knowledge in the field. Your paper should not refer directly to your own practical work. Assume that your paper is to be published and/or given at a conference.

It is important that your paper will demonstrate an ability to formulate a research question, research the issue you have identified, write a coherent argument in which you critically contextualise the issue you are addressing and arrive at a justified and independent conclusion.

You should contextualise your research question by using at least 10 citations [from research resources such as books, exhibitions, public lectures, web resources..]. These citations must conform to the Harvard convention of citation.

Your paper should consist of the following academic structure (submitted in the following order):

• Title page providing name, course and email address • A research question • A designated abstract (approx. 300 words) followed by 5 key words • Main body of text with at least 10 citations (between 3000-5000 words) • A bibliography (constructed according to the Harvard convention of citation)

Learning Outcomes (from Handbook): Demonstrate a critical engagement with practice-based research reflecting on the critical skills and framework presentations. Articulate a clear understanding of methodology and context in your creative practice.

These learning outcomes will be evidenced in the following way:

Ability to formulate a specific research question Ability to contextualise that question within a critical framework Ability to form an independent conclusion Professional presentation of the research paper adhering to the academic structure


 * Submission date 30th September 2009**

=Research Paper - For FT students= Hello everyone,

Please hand-in your research papers (full time students) to your Subject Leader this Wednesday (25th February).

Your paper should consist of the following:

• Title page providing name, course and email address • A research question • A designated abstract (approx. 300 words) followed by 5 key words • Main body of text with at least 10 citations (between 3000-5000 words) • A bibliography (constructed according to the Harvard convention of citation)

=Mid-point Review - FT students= This Wednesday, 14th January, form 11.00am the full time face to face students are conducting their mid point review. This is in effect a group crit. All face to face students will be expected to attend. We will webcast via Pronto, so all online students can attend. I appreciate that this is outside of the designated chat sessions, and most have work commitments, however your attendance would be appreciated and welcome. I will be online form 10.45, and will invite to the chat session when I see you are logged on.

The crit will work in the following way:


 * 1) by 12.00 tomorrow, the full time students will put their 500 word statements on their blogs.
 * 2) 11.00 [GMT] Wednesday 14th, each student will have their work + statement discussed by the group, online input will be welcome and included. The student under discussion will make notes but cannot participate in the debate.

Students:

**FULL-TIME**
Noel Ng - [|http://noeltmng.wordpress.com] - The line of 1000 Simon Ball - http://simonthebold.wordpress.com/ - On Being Lost in the City Kenji Ko - http://kenjiko.wordpress.com/ - emcee Cafferty, an interactive installation Wei Wen - http://zulovelife.wordpress.com/ - Chinese calligraphy as image and sound Susana Anagua - http://anagua.wordpress.com/ - Machine landscapes Nan Zhang - http://jerrynan.wordpress.com/ - London impression - Audio driven visual editing

Briefing sheets:

http://camberwellmastudents.wikispaces.com/staff