55006 Honours Thesis (Production) (FT)

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Media Arts and Production
Credit points: 24 cp
Result Type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 55056 Honours Workshop

Handbook description

Honours Thesis (Production) is the major component of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Communication program. It provides an opportunity for students to undertake original work informed by advanced theoretical study and independent research, relevant to the academic, professional and/or creative goals they have identified. Students work with an academic supervisor to produce a thesis which may be presented in one of a variety of traditional and/or non-traditional formats. Production theses may require the use of technical support facilities or equipment.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

research, organise and synthesise ideas, knowledge and information
apply appropriate theoretical approaches and methodologies to their disciplinary, professional and creative work
design, implement and complete independent research and creative work.

Contribution to graduate profile

The subject aims to:

prepare students for postgraduate research
emphasise interdisciplinary approaches
integrate scholarship with contemporary media
undertake a program of advanced coursework
produce a thesis relevant to their academic professional and/or creative agenda
base their thesis on their original work informed by theoretical study and independent research.

Teaching and learning strategies

Learning in this subject is based on completion of a planned program of work developed by consultation between academic supervisor and student. No formal classes will be held. Students will keep in regular contact with their academic supervisors and meet with them as required.

Content

Students will work with an academic supervisor to realise their proposal as an independent Honours thesis.

Assessment

Assignment item 1: Thesis

Objectives	a, b, c
Value	100%
Due	Week 14
Task	An Honours Production thesis may take one of the following forms: A short film or video production accompanied by a written statement of 5,000 words. A new media production accompanied by a written statement of 5,000 words. A piece or portfolio of journalism (print, radio, television or online) or a work of investigative journalism accompanied by a written exegesis of 5,000 words. A sound project, sound installation or radio work accompanied by a written statement of 5,000 words. An advertising, public relations or integrated communication project in the form of a series of produced print, radio or television pieces, or a combination of all three, plus a written exegesis of 5,000 words. An installation, exhibition or performance accompanied by a written statement of 5,000 words. A piece or portfolio of information products with substantial technology component accompanied by a written exegesis of 5,000 words. Some combination of the above approved by the academic supervisor at the completion of the subject Thesis Preparation. For more detail see the relevant Guidelines for Honours Thesis The Media Centre will be available to provide a limited amount of support to students undertaking production theses. Students are expected to build on their previously acquired knowledge and skills rather than begin working in a new technical area so proficiency workshops will not be provided. The HSS Production Manual provides students undertaking a production project with information about correct procedures as well as the application form which they must complete at the beginning of their project to request specific Media Centre support and use of equipment. Please note: Students are not entitled to unlimited support from the Media Centre or to unrestricted use of equipment and facilities. Part of the learning experience is to use production resources efficiently.
Assessment criteria	For assessment criteria refer to the relevant Guidelines for Honours Thesis document.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.