9/22/2007

Paper ideas...

Where my major paper ideas are concerned, I have two. I believe one will be rolled into my project, to give it more of a Master's project feel to it (because we really should be contributing an idea or concept that's unique to the field, no?). This is where research will be key, I'm sure.

Idea #1 - A study of the student dynamic on undergraduate productions. The issues students face when so very involved in teamwork production situations, especially considering practically everyone in, say, RTA is there for a different reason. During my time working, I hear everything from, "I don't care how I do as long as I pass!" to "In the real world, his ass would have been fired long ago -- his attitude isn't fair to the group!" Many student productions falter or even fail based on the fact that students are of a different mindset. It is very difficult - even, I would argue, impossible
- to recreate the professional, "real world" conditions for which we'd love the students to be ready. Research for a paper of this sort would almost undoubtedly be comprised of class observation (and would that be allowed, what with privacy issues?), and a lot of primary research. Students, professors, instructors and professionals in the industry would be invaluable sources of information and anecdotes. I would need to research databases, to determine what, if any, past studies have been done in regards to undergraduate production education. It seems to me, in my so far limited knowledge, research in the field is rather non-existent; we appear to be more interested in getting the students out into the real world, rather than strengthening HOW it is we get them out into the real world. In production lab classes, I mean. My faculty adviser is going to prove to be a huge resource for me, so more on this as I brainstorm and them speak with him!

Next entry will be my thoughts on an idea for Paper #2!

No comments: