User:Markvandenheuvel/thesis

https://pad.xpub.nl/p/GRS_session1_20_21

Graduate Research Seminars

Seminar #1

Writing + making: parallel practices!

Steve's general points on presentations :

• rapid prototyping = 'how do i approach that research question with a piece of work?'
• we as tutors will be working with you on finding modes of address: 'what's the most appropriate way to speak about this work i am making?
• everyone arrives here with an existing practice: it's valuable to look at what we've made already and see what it is that we are doing.
• It's common at this stage to try out many different approaches to the same question/material, and this can be a very rich and fruitful approach: this is the point at which you can be considering possibilities.

Project proposal:

• text describing proposed work (indication)

> project proposal outline!

1. what do you want to make? (specifics: media, topic, audience)
2. How do you plan to make it? (descibe approaches: reading, writing, making, thinking: discuss possible outcomes. are these realistic?)
3. timeline: (what will you do when?)
4. motivation: (what drives me?)
5. who can help you and how? (experts, involved, externs! people for input)
6. how does it relate to previous practice and interests? (mention practice, theory, art, anything beyond scope of own works and show how it connects)
7. references (Harvard method)

Additional notes:

• This text will go hand in hand with your assessment: practice-oriented text to make sure your project is feasible
• Suggested outline available on the wiki - you can use parts of other texts you wrote last year on your practice
• Important: include visuals, sketches, images, etc. to help illustrate your project
• nothing set down in this text is set in stone, your plans can change
• what do you want to make? if the form is unclear but the topic is clear, focus on the topic - focus on what you know
• how do you plan to make it? describe how you will approach this project through reading, writing, making, thinking: discuss possible outcomes. are these realistic?
• what is your timetable? include a timeline e.g. month by month - to demonstrate you know which steps to take and when
• why do you want to make it? most of you will have written texts that will help you to address this point about your motivation
• who can help you make it? tutors but also fellow students who have similar research interests/expertise - and also, any outside people
• Relation to your previous practice? again, look back to your previous texts to help you address this (e.g. text on method will be helpful here)
• Relation to a larger context - connect your work and project to other bodies of work, artists etc to demonstrate an awareness of the broader context within which you are working.
• References - please use the Harvard method https://pzwiki.wdka.nl/mediadesign/A_Guide_to_Essay_Writing#The_Harvard_System_of_referencing - this could be a resource for your thesis

Thesis:

WHY? To develop a relationship between writing and practice, and learn to consider your writing as an integral part of your practice, as a medium of reflection and production.

Formats:

1. report on your research and practice (doesn't need to be theoretical!!)
2. analytical essay (+ case studies)
3. how do you want to speak to people????

Additional notes:

• Again, all resources you need are on the wiki
• Why a thesis? it's a parallel activity to the body of work you are producing for your graduation
• Goal: to develop a relationship between writing and practice
• It can be hard to articulate the intuitions which motivate your work but doing this your work can develop
• there are three suggested thesis formats but in fact, you can create any form you like, as long as it meets the criteria for evaluation
• see wiki for further details of suggested formats and criteria
• harvard referencing *must* be used

homework:

Hackpact: mini prototype, sketch, gesture in relation to your project proposal

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