+
Apply various tools and methods of conducting research;
+
Identify a research problem;
+
Synthesise and formulate research findings;
+
Source, critically analyse and review research information;
+
Apply the Harvard Method of Referencing successfully;
+
Present work professionally in the appropriate and required format for evaluation;
+
Conduct independent research;
+
Select a choice of subject (research question / problem) relevant to local, contemporary creative industries and/or discourse;
+
Formulate the research question / problem, the aims of the study and the premise of the research clearly;
+
Write a research proposal;
+
Demonstrate the ability to critically read and evaluate published material in a scientifically accountable manner.
Critical Discourses (CD 420) Overview The Critical Discourses course explores advanced discourses in Visual Communication. The former is designed to investigate contemporary discourses related to the field, with particular reference to South Africa and the African continent, in order to glean an understanding of the pertinent questions and relevant issues relating to the areas of specialisation offered as part of the BA Honours in Visual Communication programme. Such investigations are aimed at providing students with a broad understanding of the discourse, practice and philosophical underpinnings that inform contemporary creative practice, within both a local and global context. As such, the coursework is designed to lead students to conceive of integrated approaches whereby local creative production may be interpreted and critiqued within the globalised industry, discourse and practice. The latter is envisioned to inform the student's own research output, and is designed to assist the student in arriving at a suitable, relevant and informed research focus, one of the primary aims of the degree. Objectives On completion of students should be able to: + Have fundamental understanding of the relevant discourses investigated and be able to relate these to visual phenomena; +
Relate theoretical perspectives to aesthetic expressions in related fields in order to complement the students’ practical components;
+
Identify published documents relevant to pertinent fields of interest;
+
Understand the use of cultural theories and theoretical tools, both in practice and research;
+
To generate & present an academic argument in a manner appropriate to a situation and audience;
+
To apply critical perspectives with appropriate media in the conceptualisation and execution of independent creative projects;
+
Source, analyse and review research information in the appropriate and relevant fields; and
+
Present work professionally in the appropriate and required format for evaluation.
132
