Level I Graphic Design Tutorial 012 Notes

Introduction: Explain the subject matter to the reader.
Aims and Objectives: State the goals of your proposal.
Methodologies/Approaches: Indicate the research methods you plan to use.
Literature Review: Identify, summarise, and appraise key texts related to your topic, including literature on your theme and chosen subject.
Dissertation/Special Study Structure: Outline the structure of your Dissertation or Special Study, including section or chapter titles and works to be discussed.
Evaluation: Assess the feasibility of your research proposal and identify potential problems and solutions.
Bibliography: Include a bibliography of relevant sources (not included in the word count).

In-depth study aids development and strengthens key skills:
- Subject knowledge
- Research skills
- Critical analysis skills
- Written communication skills
The research proposal allows independent and in-depth work on a chosen subject relating to your subject specialism.

A Special Study is a research project focusing on a specific theme, issue, or question.

A good topic allows for analysis and investigation and should be discursive.
Avoid descriptive topics (e.g., 'The Early Works of C. R. Mackintosh') and survey topics (e.g., 'The Nude in nineteenth-century Art').
Formulate idea-led topics that allow you to explore, anaanalyseiscuss, and argue.

Construct the question/title yourself.
Ensure a structured, substantiated, and developed argument forms the response to your question/title.
Titles can be questions or non-questions (e.g., 'Exploring the Changing Aesthetics of the National Theatre Posters from 1975 to Present').
If choosing a question, make it open rather than closed (e.g., 'To What extent did Saul Bass Revolutionise the Title Sequence?' rather than 'Did Saul Bass Revolutionise the Title Sequence?').

Structure the 2,500-word assignment via subheadings.
Brainstorm ideas to create a ‘mind map’ for easy flow of ideas.
Construct a linear plan from the mind map, selecting themes or ideas to discuss.
Avoid attempting to include too much in your study; keep the topic small and manageable.

Working Title
Aims and objectives
Section headings
Main points to be discussed with supporting literature review
Indication of objects of study (including relevant illustrations)
Preliminary bibliography of sources identified so far (not included in the word count)

Note: The above order can be altered depending on the nature of the topic.

Divide into a series of sub-headed sections with estimated word counts.
- [section title] (estimated word count)
- [section title] (estimated word count)
- [section title] (estimated word count)
  *Delete or expand sections as necessary

Example Title: How significant is Eric Gill’s contribution to modern British design?

Option 1: Case Study Approach

Option 2: Thematic Approach

What is the word count for each section? iIsthis viable?
Each section needs to contribute analysis and discussion, not just ‘information’.
What is the relationship of each section to the whole?
Each section, as well as the whole, should be planned.
Ensure all sections are analytical, avoiding entirely descriptive sections (e.g., biography or background of the artist/designer).
Think carefully about how and where you incorporate historical material.

A good understanding of the literature and themes relating to your project is required.

Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of your topic area, including key concepts, terminology, theories, and definitions.
Identifies major thinkers.
Identifies research already done in the area.
Find gaps in the research or current areas of interest to formulate your research questions.
Identifies the main research methodologies in your subject area.
Identifies main areas of agreement or controversy.

Key Features:

Debate: Creating debate through responding to arguments and evidence encountered through reading and offering your arguments.
Scholarship: Linking arguments to existing literature on your chosen topic.
Argument: A Clear and logical argument runs throughout the writing.
Critical Analysis: Engaging with others' ideas and arguments rather than just presenting them.
Formal: But not too fancy!
Concise: Straight to the point.
Third Person: No "I" or "we".
Evidence: Using 'evidence' (textual, visual, etc.) to back up arguments.
Objectivity: Presenting rational and logical arguments which stand on their own merits rather than personal 'opinion'.
Precision: Being clear and precise in your style to convey your meaning effectively.
Citations: You need them!
Unbiased: And backed by evidence.
Sections: Keep itorganisedd

PEEL stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link.
Point: Make and introduce the reader to your point.
Evidence: Back it up, support the point you are making with examples or evidence, typically with academic sources such as textbooks, journals, or specialist products.
Explanation: Explain how the evidence or examples support your point. Critically analyse what would happen if the theory were not applied.
Link: Link this point to the next point that you will be making in the following paragraph, or link it back to the main point.

PEELC stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link, Critical Point.
Apply critical thinking skills to the literature/evidence you have used and make a point about it.
Critical points may include:
- Commenting on how recently research was carried out
- Considering the methods that were used in ithe research
- Pointing out limitations to the research
- Identifying barriers to implementing recommendations made by the researchers