This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module enables students to devise a research project on a literary topic of their own choosing (subject to the availability of an appropriate supervisor and the viability of the student's proposal, which must be submitted by the specified deadline in the spring term of Stage 2). It is an opportunity for students to formulate their own critical questions and to explore in greater depth an area of literary studies that appeals strongly to them. Students receive a series of group workshops and one-to-one supervisions to guide them in the development of their research skills and in the planning of an extended piece of critical writing. The project must be clearly distinct from work the student has submitted for previous modules, and should reflect the fact that the student has undertaken work equivalent to that demanded by a Special Module. Students will be expected to demonstrate a wide-ranging knowledge of the chosen topic and to situate their own argument in relation to relevant critical debates.
11 hours (to be confirmed) over the term in which the module runs, including group workshops and one-to-one supervisions
This module is available in either the Autumn term (code EN593) or the Spring term (code EN594)
Main assessment methods:
Annotated bibliography (formative but compulsory) 0%
Dissertation (8,000 words) 100%
Reassessment methods:
Like for Like
To be negotiated by individual dissertation students with their assigned supervisor.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of research methods in appropriate areas of literature, criticism and theory, including: identifying research questions, compiling a convincing bibliography and using appropriate reading strategies.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of some key critical ideas in their chosen topic area.
3. Demonstrate independent critical thinking.
4. Demonstrate an ability to deepen and extend their thinking by prolonged focus on their chosen topic and developing their critical writing at length.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Formulate research questions and hypotheses of their own in dialogue with other writers and critics.
2. Interpret arguments, marshal information from published sources, interpret materials from archives, critically evaluate own research and that of others.
3. Use appropriate technology to retrieve, analyse, and present information.
4. Construct arguments with regard to the intellectual contexts related to their chosen topic.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of how to use constructive informal feedback from their supervisor and assess their own progress, so as to enhance performance and personal skills.
6. Work in a self-motivated and independent fashion; and to manage time and workload in order to meet personal targets and imposed deadlines
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