Overview

This module develops your skills as a researcher within the context of the culture and commerce of bookselling and publishing. You encounter the research challenges that publishing companies and individuals face in the course of their work. You develop an understanding of the interconnections between the culture surrounding the materiality of books (and "bookishness") and the commercial opportunities, risks and productions of publishing. You build on your research skills and apply them to the challenges of book culture and commerce. You will develop a proposal for a research project to investigate an aspect of publishing or a specific publishing need (market research, genre and audience, etc.). You will develop that proposal over the course of the semester in a poster presentation and a final submission of the proposal itself.

In the first half of the module we study the space of publishing as a domain of practice and as a field of debate about that practice. We will apply principles of structured enquiry to that publishing space and discuss the impacts our own research can have. By the middle of the semester you will develop a research concept and present it for feedback. During the second half of the semester we will work together to develop plans for conducting that research. You will finish the semester with a research proposal which you may use as a basis for your final dissertation project.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59% A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: • A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. • Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. • Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. • Accurate expression. • Competent use of quotation and references. -good -60-69% A (B) candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: • An advanced level of factual knowledge. • Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. • Some evidence of original thought. • The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. • Fluent and accurate expression. • Competent use of quotation and references. -excellent -70% and above Typically (A), the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: • Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. • Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. • Introduction and discussion of original ideas. • Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. • High ratio of analysis to exposition. • Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. • Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply critical theory to primary sources for analysis of commercial and cultural practices within the book trade

• Identify, evaluate and apply methodologies appropriate for research into the publishing industry.

• Interpret and document the interconnections between the culture surrounding the materiality of books and the commercial opportunities, risks and productions of publishing

• Recognise and evaluate the commercial, cultural, social and financial factors that impact on the practices and roles within a publishing system