The session focused on the next steps for progressing the thesis proposal. The resources helped clarify what needs to be developed after receiving feedback on the draft literature review, and how that feedback can guide the proposal towards a stronger final structure.
A key point from this week was the importance of checking the Turnitin feedback from the draft literature review. This feedback should be used to guide the development of the proposal, especially when refining the research title, research question, chapter structure and bibliography. The resource explains that the first step is to refine the research title or question so that it is viable and deliverable for the final research premise.
The session also focused on developing a general outline for each chapter. The resource explains that chapter topics should be organised in a logical order, with a reliable range of perspectives to create a balanced argument. It also suggests revising or expanding literary sources as the chapter topics develop. For my thesis, this means I could structure the chapters around media narratives, animated documentary, memory and trauma, and the visual strategies of stylised 3D animation.
Another important step was the research methods outline. The resource explains that this should include approaches, methods and sources beyond literature, such as case studies, interviews, exhibitions or other primary sources. For my project, this could include analysing animated films or visual examples, looking at media imagery, and connecting those references to my own FMP animation development.
The guidelines for thesis writing and referencing were also useful. They reminded us to use an appropriate methodology, cite scholars where relevant, and use peer-reviewed books or scholarly articles. The resource also warns against relying on personal blogs, film reviews or YouTube as academic sources, unless it is for a specific animation that is unavailable elsewhere.
This is important for my topic because I will be discussing war, media and civilian experience, so the writing needs to remain formal and carefully referenced. The same guidelines also explain that Harvard referencing should be used for quotations and paraphrases, and that clear referencing helps support arguments and avoid plagiarism.