How to write an animation dissertation
Introduction and Key Elements
The key elements to the writing of an animation dissertation are the same key elements that exist in the writing of any academic dissertation. Before beginning an animation dissertation, a great deal of thought must be given to the topic to be discussed. A poor decision in terms of topic at this stage may lead to a lot of wasted time and problems in completing the dissertation adequately. It is also useful to clarify the structure of the dissertation before the actual writing takes place. A clear and well-defined structure can itself act as an inspiration to writing, whereas a lack of structure will more often than not be a hindrance to the writing process. It is important at the outset of beginning a dissertation to know what the various stages of the process are - what is the word limit to be, what is the final submission date, does the title need to be agreed with a tutor, are there deadlines for particular parts of the dissertation? All of these are questions that it is helpful to know at the very outset, rather than fumbling around for the answers at the later stage.
For an animation dissertation, there may also be other considerations. For example, it will probably be desirable to include examples of animation, either in the form of drawings, photographs, or video format. These will obviously take time to gather together, and will clearly want to be presented in the best format and quality possible, which should be discussed with the tutor or dissertation supervisor. Finally, in considering the topic or subject of a dissertation, the subject should be considered in the light of a review of the current literature on the subject. Is it an area that is already well documented, on which case are you bringing a fresh perspective on the subject, or just rehashing old arguments? A well-documented subject will be easier in terms of research, but may be more problematic in terms of bringing a new perspective to your animation dissertation.
Digging Deeper
As has already been mentioned, the importance of structure should not be underestimated in an animation dissertation. This acts as not only a clear marker for the writing of the dissertation (and also for the reader) but also helps in terms of delineating the research structure, and breaks the dissertation into manageable chunks. A 15,000 word dissertation can seem overwhelming at the beginning, but if it is, for example, broken down into 5 x 3,000 word sub-sections, it suddenly feels more manageable.
This smaller sub-structure should form the basis of your writing plan. For example, if you have 7 weeks, 1 week for opening planning, 5 weeks for 3,000 words each (a subsection a week) and 1 week for re-reading editing etc. Obviously, your own timetable will vary depending on how much time that you have, and the size and scope of your animation dissertation, but that example gives you some idea of how to plan out your writing. The structure that you are going to follow should act as the central point of your argument. It is easy to begin writing with an open mind and just to see how your argument follows. That may work in a 2,000 word essay, but in a longer dissertation, it is important to know where your argument is going, from beginning to end, and to have the structure of your work help to reinforce that argument, as well as giving clear direction to the reader.
If you are using examples of animation work in your animation dissertation, then it is very important that you show those examples visually. This is true whether it is a single frame, a comparison of animation styles, or even a longer segment of video from an animation film. In your animation dissertation, good examples of animation that complement your argument are a very important part of the presentation of your dissertation. You will need to discuss with your dissertation supervisor how well your chosen animation samples complement your argument, and also discuss with them how is the best way to present that work in order to make your point as strongly as possible. In terms of referencing the work of others, there should be a clear agreed standard on referencing styles, which will be available from the academic institution to which the animation dissertation is being presented. It is vital that this style is adhered to, so that due credit is given when work is referenced, and that referencing can be checked if necessary.
Going Further
So you have a theme or topic for your animation dissertation, and you have a basic outline of the structure of your work, but what else do you need in order to produce a top quality dissertation. Layout and presentation are key parts of how your dissertation will be received. Needless to say, it should be well proofread and devoid of spelling and grammar errors.
Names and references must be checked for accuracy and quoted correctly (and sparingly, because a dissertation will be expected to have a higher level of critical and original thinking than lower level essays). The beginning and end of your animation dissertation need to be very strong. The beginning should have a strong introduction, introducing your chosen subject and showing the methodology of your dissertation. There may be an expectation that you provide an abstract, which is a short summary of your entire dissertation. Even if that is not the case, it should be possible (and indeed helpful) for you to be able to summarize your argument in a clear and concise manner.
If you have included animation examples (and you really should’ve done) in your animation dissertation, these will then be included in the appendix, easily found and clearly referenced in the body of the dissertation. Taking all these considerations into account, with good preparation and clear direction, it is possibly to produce a top quality animation dissertation.
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