Course coordinator
Dr Lisa Bode
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course is offered annually in Semester 1 and Semester 2. No prescribed syllabus or formal teaching. In consultation with convenor, students devise a topic primarily for individual research. Available only for students whose previous record suggests an outstanding capacity for criticism and research. Please contact the School of Communication and Arts for an application form to apply for approval to enrol in this course.
Students will research a topic developed in consultation with their nominated academic supervisor OR pursue an approved, self-organised internship. In both cases, students should contact a member of academic staff with whom they would like to work and ascertain their availability prior to enrolling in MSTU3012.ﾠ
For students pursuing a pure research project,ﾠthe topic must be formulated as a research question suitable for a 3000 word essay,ﾠapproved early in the semester by the academic supervisor.ﾠThe choice of research topic is dependent on the shared research interests and expertise of students and their supervisors. It may, for instance, concern a film or television genre, a matter of representation (e.g., gender, race, landscape, climate change), an aesthetic analysis (e.g., the significance of music or performance in screen texts), a theoretical, philosophical, or technological problem (e.g., democratic participation, media ethics, the influence of social media; Gen. AI screen media), audience reception research, a creative issue or an aspect of media production such as screenwriting, or an archival research project.ﾠ
Assessment for the research project is outlined in the Assessment tab. Through the semester there are no classes. Instead, students meet with their supervisors to discuss research plans and drafts, and to make certain they are on the right track prior to submission of the finished assignment.
Students who would like to pursue an internship are responsible for organising this themselves prior to the beginning of the semester, as well as for organising an academic supervisor (see above) who oversees the internship and supervises the associated written work. Please contact the School of Communication and Arts internship/placements officer, Sven Fea, for more information on processes for organising and formalising internships. His email address is: s.fea@uq.edu.au. Assessment details for internship students are detailed in the Assessment tab.
Steps to gain approval to enrol in this course:
1. Check that you meet the pre-requisites. Note, you must also be enrolled in the Film and TV Studies Major or the Media and Digital Cultures Major.
2. Approach a staff member (Lecturer or above, ideally one who teaches courses in the Film and TV Studies or Digital Media Major) and ask them if they will be able/happy to supervise your project for the semester. Discuss your potential topic with them.ﾠ
3. Fill out theﾠEnrolment Applicationﾠform, and get your supervisor's signature. Email the form to the address given at the bottom of the form.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students who are undertaking this course are assumed to be at the end of their major in Film and Television Studies or Media and Digital Cultures major, and to have a GPA of 5.5 or above in their major courses. The opportunity for individual research is designed in the first instance to cater to students who want to continue to Honours in the field(s), but also to those high achieving students who hope to work as film, television or media researchers. An Enrolment Application will need to be completed for approval to enrol in this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
6 units in the Film & TV Studies Major or Media and Digital Cultures Major + min. GPA of 5.5 in these courses, completion of the application form and Course Coordinator permission.
Restrictions
To enrol in this course students must complete the application form,with supervisor's signature and submit to the School office.If the application is approved you will be added to the permission list.
Course contact
Placements officer
Mr Sven Fea
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Lisa Bode
Timetable
Additional timetable information
There are no scheduled classes for this course.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to develop independent research skills and to guide students in exploring new research methods, refining their research interests, and developing project management skills. Students research an issue in depth and produce an extended piece of writing, while learning to plan and manage the schedule of tasks for a contained research project. These aims are designed to provide an environment in which students are able to take greater responsibility for their own work.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Plan and carry out research within this field.
LO2.
Access, evaluate and critique primary and secondary sources.
LO3.
Develop an argument critically and clearly.
LO4.
Produce independent research reports.
LO5.
Clearly synthesize and reflect upon the experience of media industry working practices in oral and written form.
LO6.
Understand and perform various assigned tasks in a media organisation role.
Assessment
Assessment summary
RESEARCH PROJECT
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Assessment Component (1) for Research Projects | 40% 1000 words |
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn. |
| Essay/ Critique | Assessment Component (2) for Research Projects | 60% 3000 Words |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn. |
INTERNSHIP
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio |
Internship Component 1
|
30% |
13/06/2025 4:00 pm
Submission to be discussed and negotiated with Supervisor |
| Essay/ Critique | Internship Component 2 | 30% 1500 Words |
17/04/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn. |
| Placement, Reflection |
Internship Component 3
|
40% 40 Hours Internship + 500 Words |
13/06/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn. |
Assessment details
RESEARCH PROJECT
Assessment Component (1) for Research Projects
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40% 1000 words
- Due date
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The assignment is designed to help students prepare for the subsequent essay assignment. Students are to submit an annotated bibliography comprising about 10 scholarly sources (exclusive of set readings) related to their essay topic. Discuss the layout and function of the annotated bibliography with your supervisor. It should, for each entry, include a paragraph of about 50 words summarising the source text's main arguments and another paragraph of about 50 words summarising how the source text relates to the student's own topic. In total, the annotated bibliography should be 1000 words. Use Chicago style to format the entries in your bibliography. The library guide is here: https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/chicago17-notes-bibliography
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment Component (2) for Research Projects
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 60% 3000 Words
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Except in cases where an internship or practical component has been negotiated with the academic supervisor and course convenor, students are expected to write a 3,000 word essay addressing the task outlined in the Learning Activities and following the Chicago author-date or notes-bibliography referencing system. The library guide to Chicago is here: https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/chicago17-notes-bibliography. An alternative established referencing system such as MLA may be negotiated in advance with your supervisor.
Submissions before the due date are encouraged.
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note: a lengthy extension may lead to a delay in uploading your final grade. If this is your final semester, this may delay your graduation.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
INTERNSHIP
Internship Component 1
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
13/06/2025 4:00 pm
Submission to be discussed and negotiated with Supervisor
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students are to submit a portfolio documenting the work that they have done in the internship (e.g., social media marketing and PR, press releases, posters, production work, etc.) including a list of skills that they have acquired in the internship. The portfolio can comprise print material, video clips, screen captures, and so forth.
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The manner of submission should be negotiated with the academic supervisor.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note: a lengthy extension may lead to a delay in uploading your final grade. If this is your final semester, this may delay your graduation.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Internship Component 2
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 1500 Words
- Due date
17/04/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students are required to write a short (minimum 1500 word) research essay on a topic that is related to their internship. The topic should be negotiated with the academic supervisor as specified above in the case of essays for pure research projects. Topics may include a close analysis of a film screened at a festival, a contribution to the area of Production Studies, an analysis of distribution and exhibition practices, and so forth. Although this is not a reflective essay, students are encouraged to relate their research to their practical experience in the internship as appropriate.
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Internship Component 3
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Placement, Reflection
- Weight
- 40% 40 Hours Internship + 500 Words
- Due date
13/06/2025 4:00 pm
Submit to TurnItIn via Blackboard link. Please notify your supervisor when you have uploaded the assignment to TurnItIn.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning, Longitudinal.
Task description
Completion of approximately 40 hours at the internship; report from internship supervisor; self-report.
This component assesses the student's performance in the internship itself. Performance here is assessed by the academic supervisor against a very brief report on the student’s work from his/her supervisor at the internship (e-mailed directly to the academic supervisor or given orally over the phone) as well as a very brief (500 word max) self-assessment from the student.
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note: a lengthy extension may lead to a delay in uploading your final grade. If this is your final semester, this may delay your graduation.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
All student activities
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Exam week 1 |
Not Timetabled |
Independent Media Research or Internship |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.