Research and Innovation
Description
Research and Innovation (R&I) (10 credits) focuses on the 'how' and the 'why' of research methodologies and the means of validation available. Students are faced with the following questions: How do you go about doing what you do? Why do you do what you do? How does your work compare to contemporary models of best practice in your field? And finally, can you define its relevance in relation to these?
R&I familiarizes students with a range of working processes and approaches in a variety of creative practices. They consider the range of debates therein (issues of sustainability, diversity, methodological concerns, etc.) and the contested nature of creative practice.
R&I lays the foundations for students to locate their practice within the wider competitive field, taking cognizance of new strategies and approaches in research and innovation.
This will proceed through a series of workshops which will culminate in the student giving two seminar presentations on their practice. The first focuses on key terms, ideas and debates defining their area of practice, the second considers models of best practice defining their field. This material is drawn together for a final R&I essay which aims to integrate practical concerns with a critical contextualization; an integration that will be underpinned by a thorough understanding of methodological concerns and strategies for innovation.
Learning Outcomes
Reveal a knowledge and understanding of the diversity of working processes in a variety of creative practices
Articulate the key ideas and debates defining their area of practice - from subject specific and methodological concerns to wider questions such as diversity and sustainability
Situate their own practice in relation to best models of practice defining their field
Implement self-reflexive critical thinking in relation to their own working practice and research methods
Source appropriate information through library and internet research tools and evaluate the quality of material uncovered
Deliver a professional presentation through the seminar format and the written word