Assignment Brief:

You must relate your work to creative practice in the professional graphic design sphere – although this can clearly be widely understood and defined. Keep to the point and think of the following as your likely general chapter content, although you might have different chapter titles:

1 – Informed analysis of a relevant concept, issue, theme or the work of specific practitioners.
You may perhaps choose to explore an area which is unfamiliar but attractive, local or international, contemporary or historical.
Don’t just describe this: analyse it against its intention: its context, its professional sphere.
Remind us of any parallels with your own work.

2 – Critical reflection about examples of your own work.
What is it trying to do? How does it do this? Is it successful? Why/why not? Always relate to intent.
There should be parallels between this and what you have chosen to examine above and below.

3 – Informed critical reflection about your professional experience / placement and the creative industries.
You should be able to use this dissertation to bolster your portfolio and sense of professional direction.
It’s a truly useful application of theory to practice, with your practice being the intended beneficiary.

Your dissertation should present a clearly stated argument (thesis) which shows that you have something to say about your place in contemporary practice and professional contexts.
In all cases you should acknowledge your sources correctly, using the Coventry University Harvard Style Guide. There are lectures, practical exercises, solo tutorials, small group tutorials and seminars where issues that inform practice, as well as important aspects of study skills, will be presented and discussed.

Your work will be assessed according to the extent to which you satisfy the following learning outcomes:
1. Synthesize disparate research material and information to form a critical analysis and argument using appropriate research methodologies – 40% of module mark;
2. Articulate and justify a design-related stance: this should integrate theoretical and historical precedents with practice-based and professional considerations – 40% of module mark;
3. Undertake self-directed work in a systematic, organized and efficient fashion – 10% of module mark;
4. Present the final piece observing appropriate scholarly conventions – 10% of module mark.