Lesson 10.4: Completing and Referencing the Study

Introduction

In this lesson, we will focus on the critical stages of finalizing your independent contextual study. You have invested substantial effort in researching and writing about a focused question in visual culture, and now it is time to solidify your work into a coherent, polished piece.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:

• Revise the full draft of your study to enhance argumentation, evidence, and clarity.
• Complete accurate Harvard references and compile an image list.
• Understand the processes of final editing, proofreading, and meeting the required presentation standards.
• Ensure your study aligns with your original question and brief.
• Transform your extended study into a finished piece ready for submission.

Revising the Full Draft

Understanding the Revising Process

Revising is more than just proofreading; it involves looking carefully at the structure, flow, and argument of your work. Here are the main points to consider during this phase:

1. Argument: Ensure that your main argument or thesis statement is clear and that each section of your text supports this argument effectively.
2. Evidence: Review the evidence you have provided. Does it adequately support your claims? Are your sources credible? Think of the criteria of relevance, reliability, and impact.
3. Clarity: Language matters. Make sure your writing is clear and accessible. Avoid jargon unless you have defined it previously, and ensure your explanations are concise.

Worked Example

Imagine your study question is: "How does modern street art reflect societal values?" In the first draft, you may have argued that street art challenges mainstream perspectives. In your revision, check:

• Examining Argument: Ensure the argument is still centered on the impact of street art on societal values. Each paragraph should connect back to demonstrate this.
• Incorporating Evidence: You may have cited that street art often contains political messages. Consider adding data from recent surveys or expert interviews to bolster this claim.
• Enhancing Clarity: If you initially wrote, "The juxtaposition of traditional imagery with contemporary issues can foster a discourse," simplify this to, "Combining old images with today's topics encourages discussion."

Completing Accurate Harvard References and Image Lists

Importance of Referencing

Referencing correctly is fundamental to academic integrity. It recognizes the input of other works that have informed your research and writing. The Harvard referencing style is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Constructing Harvard References

Follow this structure to cite books and articles:

• Books: Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year) Title of the Book. Publisher.
• Journal Articles: Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year) 'Title of the article', Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page numbers.

Image Lists

When including images, document them in a separate list. Each entry should provide:

• The artist's name, if known.
• The title of the artwork.
• The date.
• The source or where you accessed the image, including a URL if applicable.

Worked Example of References

1. Book Reference: Smith, J. (2020) Street Art in Context. London: Art Press.
2. Journal Article Reference: Doe, A. (2021) 'Urban Art as Commentary', Visual Culture Journal, 15(2), pp. 123-145.
3. Image List:

• Banksy, Girl with Balloon, 2002, Available at: https://www.banksy.co.uk (Accessed: 20 September 2023).

Final Editing and Proofreading

The Editing Process

Editing involves refining your document further. Focus on:

1. Structure: Ensure every section of your text flows logically. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next.
2. Grammar and Spelling: Look out for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes that could distract from your message.
3. Formatting: Check that your study meets the formatting requirements set out in the brief, such as font size, margins, and line spacing.

Proofreading Tips

• Read your study aloud to catch awkward phrasing or sentences that sound off.
• Use tools like spelling and grammar checkers, but don’t rely solely on them.
• Consider asking a peer or mentor to review your work; a fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might miss.

Meeting Presentation Standards

Presentation Requirements

Your study's presentation is just as important as its content. Ensure it adheres to the recommended layout, which typically includes:

• A clear title page with your study's title, your name, and the date.
• An abstract summarizing the study's purpose and findings.
• Clear headings and subheadings that reflect the structure of your argument.
• Page numbers and a table of contents if your study exceeds a certain number of pages.

Checking Against the Original Question and Brief

Importance of Alignment

Throughout the process of completing your study, it is vital to continually check your work against your original question and the assignment brief. Ask yourself:

• Have I addressed the question thoroughly?
• Does my brief align with the academic standards and formatting requirements outlined?

Final Review

Consider using a checklist instance:

1. Does the argument answer the research question?
2. Are all claims supported with appropriate evidence?
3. Are all sources cited properly?
4. Does the final format meet the assignment standards?

Conclusion

In this lesson, we explored the final steps of revising, referencing, editing, and presenting your independent contextual study. Each of these stages is crucial for ensuring that your work is clear, cohesive, and academically rigorous. By taking the time to carefully review your study, you will enhance its overall quality and effectiveness, setting the foundation for future academic success.

Study Notes

• The revision process involves refining your argument, bolstering evidence, and enhancing clarity.
• Use the Harvard style for referencing books and journal articles accurately.
• Compile an image list detailing the source and details of any visual works cited in your study.
• Final editing includes checking grammar and presentation against the assignment brief.
• Always ensure your study directly answers the research question you set out to explore.