In this module, students will blend academic research with creative media – engaging in both original, independent research and the production of cultural texts over the course of an academic year. Rather than a traditional dissertation format, this third year/stage 3 project will (depending on the subject matter under investigation) work towards the production of an output that could be public-facing. This could include, for example, a podcast, zine, exhibition, blog, film, artwork, or any medium that we are able to accommodate. As well as the final product, students will submit a portfolio documenting their engagement with academic literature, methodological and analytical approaches, ethical review, and critical reflections on the process. The module is aimed at providing a creative outlet for students of Cultural Studies, Sociology and related disciplines that equally maintains the rigour of a major research project.
Private Study: 290
Contact Hours:16
Total hours: 300
Optional module for the following courses:
BA (Hons) Criminology and Cultural Studies
BA (Hons) Cultural Studies and Media
BA (Hons) Cultural Studies and Media and Film
BA (Hons) Cultural Studies and Media and Journalism
BA (Hons) Cultural Studies and Media and Social Anthropology
BA (Hons) Sociology
Coursework - Portfolio - 25%: Students will be expected to produce a developing portfolio across the period of registration incorporating a review of relevant literature, methodological and analytic processes, data and findings and rationales for presentation. Discussion of these will make up part of the supervisory meetings and the portfolio document will be submitted and graded alongside the final creative output and critical reflection.
Coursework - Critical Reflection (2500 words) - 25%: Students will write a more traditional essay of approx. 2500 words critically reflecting on theoretical and analytic questions and issues related to their project. This can be developed through the work they have done on their portfolio but will provide a more substantive theoretical and critical perspective.
Coursework - Creative Output/Project - 50%: Students will produce the final creative output in print, online, audio or film form.
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
Back, L. (2013) Live Methods. Wiley-Blackwell.
Bates, C. (2014) Visual Methods: Social Science Research in Motion. Routledge.
Haw, K & M Hadfield (2011) Video in Social Science Research: Functions and Forms. Routledge.
Jones, K (2022) Doing Performative Social Science: Creativity in Doing Research and Reaching Communities. Routledge.
Kara, H (2020) Creative Research Methods in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide. Policy Press.
Lewis, C et al. (2021) Sociological Podcasting: radical hope, care and solidarity in a time of crisis. Soundings 79 pp. 94-109.
Pickering, M (2008) Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Edinburgh University Press.
Ritchie, J et al. (2014) Qualitative Research Practice. Sage.
Stein, A et al. (2017) Going Public: A Guide for Social Scientists. University of Chicago Press.
Watson A & A Bennett (2021) The Felt Value of Reading Zines. American Journal of Cultural Sociology 9 pp. 115-149.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes are as listed below.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1: Demonstrate the practical application of theoretical and research-led ideas and evidence through a creative output.
2: Engage in and complete an independent research project into the study of cultural forms and practices to a high academic standard, including an academically-informed portfolio, reflective essay, and creative output.
3: Demonstrate presentational skills that foreground both academic research and an understanding of non-academic cultural consumption.
4: Demonstrate and understand the relationships between cultural technologies and academic research.
The intended generic learning outcomes are as listed below.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1: Demonstrate independent research skills including a rigorous methodological approach, fieldwork or desk-based research, theoretical and literature-based context, and methods of analysis.
2: Demonstrate personal and professional development in the creation of a potentially public-facing output.
3: Engage productively in a working relationship with an academic supervisor.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
