Course Title: Conduct research

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: COMM5916C

Course Title: Conduct research

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6088 - Advanced Diploma of Screenwriting

Course Contact : Program administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4368

Course Contact Email:Brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Cameron Clarke
Phone: 9925 4908
Email: Cameron.clarke@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

The unit Conduct Research delivers the skills and knowledge required to research effectively within the operating conditions experienced by screenwriters.
It is taught within the course Elements of Screenwriting and is delivered and assessed alongside the competency Originate and Develop Concepts which looks at the skills and knowledge required for you to develop your ideas for the screen

The unit Conduct Research (CUFRES401A) is delivered and assessed alongside Originate and Develop Concepts (BSBCRT501A)


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFRES401A Conduct research

Element:

1. Clarify research brief.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm topic or content to be researched with relevant personnel , including deadlines for completion
1.2 Identify research and data gathering techniques that best meet the requirements of the brief

1.3 Discuss research ideas fully and constructively with relevant personnel and identify any implications for research briefs

1.4 Reach agreement with relevant personnel on the format for presenting research findings

1.5 Identify issues of a culturally sensitive or legal nature that affect research briefs

1.6 Alert relevant personnel to potential difficulties in meeting briefs and agree on alternative strategies or outcomes

1.7 Where specialist research expertise is required, identify potential subcontractors and organise subcontract arrangements in consultation with relevant personnel

Element:

2. Conduct research.

Performance Criteria:


criteria 2.1 Identify sources of information and potential contributors relevant to research briefs

2.2 Design research tools as required

2.3 Contact a sufficiently wide range of valid sources to optimise information gathering in line with research briefs and agreed methodology

2.4 Approach relevant sources promptly and in a way most likely to elicit the required information

2.5 Adjust research strategies as required, without compromising required outcomes

2.6 Maintain accurate and comprehensive details of information sources

2.7 Adjust contact information when requirements of research briefs change and keep records up to date

2.8 Record all data gathered in a system that allows easy access and retrieval of information in the analysis phase

Element:

3. Analyse research findings.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Analyse and interpret data or information gathered

3.2 Check all facts before including them in research findings

3.3 Make judgements about how much information to include in research findings and be clear on the rationale for doing so

Element:

4. Present research findings.

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Organise information logically and clearly in the agreed format

4.2 Present information to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines

4.3 Identify key issues for further research or discussion with relevant personnel

4.4 Seek feedback on the quality of research outcomes and note areas for improvement


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to conduct research in response to a brief


Details of Learning Activities

In this course, you learn through:
1. In-class activities:
• lectures
• industry speakers
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussion
• individual and collaborative projects
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• analysis/critique of students’ work

2. Out-of-class activities:

• practical exercises
• reading articles and excerpts
• preparing for discussion
• editorial report writing
• project work
• independent research
• revision for tests.


Teaching Schedule

WEEK CLASS CONTENT ASSESSMENT ELEMENTS
Week 1 Introduction to the semester’s material and assessment.
(Discussion of the research brief.)
The Screenwriter in the Scheme of Things
  BUSM6217C Evaluate and explore needs and opportunities COMM5916C Clarify research brief
Week 2 The Concept Document
(Discussion of research ideas and techniques)
  BUSM6217C
Evaluate and explore needs and opportunities
Develop a range of creative approaches COMM5916C Clarify research brief
Week 3 Creating Stories
(Discussion and update on research assignments)
  BUSM6217C
Develop a range of creative approaches COMM5916C Conduct research
Week 4 Creating characters

(Discussion and update on research assignments)
  BUSM6217C
Develop a range of creative approaches COMM5916C
Analyse research findings.
Week 5 Creating scenes

(Discussion and update on research assignments)
  BUSM6217C
Develop a range of creative approaches. COMM5916C
Analyse research findings.
Week 6 Present Research Assignments  class presentation due Class presentation due COMM5916C Analyse research findings.
Present research findings.
Week 7 Present Research Assignments   COMM5916C Analyse research findings.
Present research findings.
Week 8 Visuals
(Discussion and review of research projects)
  BUSM6217C
Develop a range of creative approaches.
COMM5916C
Analyse resea.rch findings
Week 9 Film language   BUSM6217C Develop a range of creative approaches.Conduct research - COMM5916C
Analyse research findings
 Week 10  Screenwriting in a Cultural Context    BUSM6217C
Evaluate and explore needs and opportunities.
Develop a range of creative approaches.
COMM5916C Conduct research.
 Week 11  The 3 Act Structure  Concept Document assessment due  COMM5916C
Conduct research. Analyse research findings.
Present research findings.
 21/4-27/4  mid semester break    
 Week 12  The Short Film    BUSM6217C Evaluate and explore needs and opportunities.
Develop a range of creative approaches.
 Week 13  The Short Film    BUSM6217C Evaluate and explore needs and opportunities.
Develop a range of creative approaches.
 Week 14  Synopses and Treatments    BUSM6217C
Refine concepts .
Develop concepts to an operational level.
 Week 15  Dialogue  short film assessment due  BUSM6217C Develop a range of creative approaches
COMM5916C
Conduct research
 Week 16  Pitching    BUSM6217C
Develop a range of creative approaches.
Refine concepts.
Develop concepts to an operational level.
 Week 17  Assessment Week    


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Extracts,readings and additional references are provided throughout the course.


References

You are advised to look at the course blackboard site for ongoing, updated information.


Other Resources

You need access to a computer and the internet


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your writing tasks. 

 


Assessment Tasks


To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.

Assessment Tasks
1. Class presentation – in groups, research and discuss a project which takes advantage of cross-platform delivery. Examine the nature of the project, including who is behind it creatively, where funding for the project comes from, and whether or not the project achieves its potential. Due: Week 6 (30%)

2. In groups, write a three to five page Concept Document for a project which takes advantage of cross-platform delivery.
Due: Week 11 (30%)

3. Through workshopping, develop and write the first draft of a ten minute short film. Ten to twelve minutes of formatted script. Assignments will be assessed with an eye to story, plot, structure, character, imagery and subtext. Due: Week 15 (30%)

4. Workshopping. (10%)

Grades used in this course are as follows:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail

For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration

Other Information

<o:p></o:p> <!--EndFragment--> Feedback:
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Late Submissions
Please refer to the course blackboard site for policy information including information on late submissions and plagiarism

Plagiarism
RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;

Course Overview: Access Course Overview