MCH8532 : Understanding Academic and Applied Research in Museum/Gallery/Heritage Studies
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Bruce Davenport
- Lecturer: Dr Emma Coffield, Dr Joanne Sayner, Mr Philip Deans, Mrs Geraldine Hunwick, Dr Areti Galani, Dr Gonul Bozoglu, Dr Nick Rush-Cooper
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide students with:
A thorough understanding of the principal theories, methodologies and methods used in academic and applied research in the Museum/Gallery/Heritage sector.
A comprehensive understanding of how these research theoretical approaches and methods operate in practice.
The techniques and skills required to undertake a major research dissertation, or vocationally-oriented research project.
Knowledge of the principal ways of identifying and collecting research information, evidence or data and the specific forms of qualitative and quantitative approaches used to analyse this material in relation to Museum/Gallery/Heritage venues.
An understanding of the retrieval of information, location of evidence, analysis, interpretation and synthesis of materials, critical thought and evaluation, questioning of assumptions and, where appropriate, to relate theory and practice.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module introduces students to a range of theories, methodologies and techniques used in academic and applied research projects in Museum/Gallery/Heritage Studies to: identify and collect information/evidence/data; analyse this material; and, synthesise results. Indicative topics include: understanding research in Museum/Gallery/Heritage Studies; research ethics; critical discourse analysis; visual and display analysis; using a case study research approach; qualitative research methods; quantitative research methods; questionnaire design and analysis; digital research methods; visitor studies.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 45:00 | 45:00 | N/A |
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Asynchronous On-line |
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Asynchronous On-line |
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 3:00 | 36:00 | Asynchronous On-line |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Directed reading - asynchronous |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Synchronous online masterclass activities |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 1:30 | 6:00 | Synchronous |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 91:00 | 91:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Synchronous On-line (Assignment, Q&A session) |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module comprises introductory lectures and a series of masterclasses. Each masterclass which will be organized around linked topics and ‘real-world’ research problems identified by the teaching team and/or external partners. The students will work in groups to solve these problems by identifying pertinent research questions, defining appropriate methodologies and theoretical frameworks, identifying sources of data, and potential analytical approaches in the time allowed. The students will present their findings in groups and reflect on their working processes throughout. The format of the workshops and the assessment allows students to enhance the skills needed to conduct a 60-credit project on the MGH programme.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral Presentation | 30 | 2 | M | 30 | Assessed group presentation presented in final 'Masterclass'. Max duration per group - 30 mins |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Report | 2 | A | 70 | Critical invidual report by each student on the rationale behind their group work. 2500 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Students are required to give a group presentation and write an individual report in which they assess the strengths and weaknesses of the task accomplished in the course of the final workshop. The group presentation can be delivered in person or on-line, synchronous or pre-recorded. This allows students to familiarise themselves not only with the range of problems and issues raised by conducting independent research but also with the relationship between theory and method in answering a research question.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH8532's Timetable