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Making the point? The audiovisual/digital media dissertation

Coral Houtman (Newport Film School, University of Wales, Newport, UK)
Maureen Thomas (Churchill College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK)
Jennifer Barrett (University of Wales, Newport, UK)

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education

ISSN: 2050-7003

Article publication date: 8 April 2014

1121

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the advantages of education and training in creating the “Audiovisual/Digital Media Essay” (AV/DME), starting from visual and cinematic thinking as a way of setting up, developing and concluding an argument.

Design/methodology/approach

Recognising the advantages to education and training of the “AV/DME” this paper explores ways of enabling visually disciplined students to work on film theory within their chosen medium, and to develop arguments incorporating audiovisual sources, using appropriate academic skills. It describes a hands-on BA/MA workshop held at Newport Film School (May 2011) and subsequent initial implementation of an examinable DME. The paper contextualises the issue in the light of practice-led and practice-based research and of parity with written dissertations. Drawing on analysis of in-depth interviews with students and tutors, it makes practical recommendations for how to resource, staff and support the implementation and continuation of the AV/DME and/or dissertation.

Findings

The paper feeds back from both students and staff on the running of an initial AV/DME workshop and finds that the Film School Newport is suited to running the AV/DME and suggests a framework for its support.

Research limitations/implications

The study needs to be followed up when the students complete their full dissertations.

Practical implications

The AV/DME needs sufficient technical and human resources to support student learning.

Originality/value

The paper provides a clear and original framework for teaching, supporting and assessing the AV/DME. This framework can be disseminated beyond the University of Wales Newport, and can be used to teach the AV/DME in further contexts and to wider groups of students.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the following: Florence Ayisi (Reader, Film Practice), Newport Film School, University of Wales, Chris Morris, Professor of Film Practice, Newport Film School, University of Wales, Dr Alexander Graf, Senior Lecturer, Film and Video, Newport Film School, University of Wales, Kasia, Irene and Lourival, and all colleagues and students at the Newport Film School who contributed to this study.

Citation

Houtman, C., Thomas, M. and Barrett, J. (2014), "Making the point? The audiovisual/digital media dissertation", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 98-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-02-2012-0011

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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