Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE DCS3026

 
TITLE Synoptic Study-unit 1: Individual Dance Project

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Dance Studies

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit offers a framework for students to identify a key aspect of their dance practice to be investigated through both theory and practice. The results of their practice as research will be presented in a lecture demonstration and oral exam. This unit allows for revision and discussion of applications of the theoretical approaches studied in Level 2, with an introduction to practice-as-research.

It includes the selection and management of source material appropriate to the chosen topic, including literature, the use of reports, statistics and other primary sources. Students engage with research methods and the selection of appropriate methodologies including use of data gathering instruments such as workshops questionnaires, interviews, and participant observation. Students will identify frameworks/methods to be employed in analysis and interpretation of information collected. An investigation of the ways in which the conceptual concerns of study can be employed and explored in practical enquiry should be made explicit. Topics are to be negotiated with tutor.

Study-Unit Aims:

- To introduce practice as research as a framework to analyse, interpret and evaluate;
- To develop tools to formulate an appropriate conceptual framework and design a full investigation in relation to a chosen dance topic;
- To develop the students' ability to appraise the use and results of practical investigation of dance.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- formulate a theoretical framework in relation to a chosen dance topic;
- use conceptual frameworks to analyse, interpret and evaluate dance investigations;
- arrive at thoughtful well-supported conclusions based upon the theoretical investigation;
- articulate proposals for further investigation in practical workshops;
- formulate a framework for practical investigation in a chosen topic

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- problem solve in terms of project design;
- devise project in terms of conceptual concerns;
- research appropriately;
- relate theory to practice;
- synthesise, write up and design appropriate series of workshops.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Fraleigh, Sondra Horton and Penelope Hanstein, (eds.). 1999. Researching Dance: Evolving Modes of Enquiry. (London: Dance Books)
- Nelson, Robin. 2013. Practice as Research in the Arts: Principles, Protocols, Pedagogies, Resistances. (Palgrave Macmillan UK)

Supplementary Readings:

Additional texts as defined by each student and appropriate to the topic.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Synoptic Study-Unit

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Performance SEM2 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Paula Guzzanti Ferrer
Francesca Tranter

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit