The module is designed to encourage student autonomy and to develop self-confidence in students' ability to research a topic independently. Participants are guided and facilitated by the tutor through a series of group workshops in which the sharing of ideas is encouraged for exploration and discussion. Students are further supported via bi-weekly 1 to 1 tutorials during which they will discuss their work and progress with the tutor. LA524 is similar to our longer 30 credit module (LA525) and operates in a similar manner; the students themselves produce the materials which allows for bespoke support. However, LA524 is designed for those who require a little more language assistance.
Contact hours per week: The module is taught through five one-hour seminars and five 30 minute one-to-one tutorials throughout the spring term (can also be delivered in the autumn term). The total number of contact hours is 10 per term. Students will complete 140 hours of private study per term (around 12 hours per week).
100% coursework comprising:
Presentation of a research portfolio (15 minutes including questions following the presentation) (30%)
Literature Review (800 words) (20%)
Essay or Case Study (2000-2500 words) (50%)
Brandt, C. (2009) Read, Research and Write: Academic Skills for ESL Students in Higher Education. London: SAGE
Cottrell, S. (2011) Critical thinking Skills. (2nd Edition). Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Ford, N. (2012) The Essential Guide to Using the Web for Research. London: SAGE
Ogden, T. & Goldberg, I. (2002) Research Proposals a Guide to Success. San Diego: Academic Press (ebook).
Wallace, M. and Wray, A. (2011) Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates. (2nd Edition).London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Wisker, G. (2007) The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD. (2nd Edition). Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Yin, K. Case Study Research: design and methods. (5th Edition). London: Sage Publications Ltd.
On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate their independent ability to carry out research using their own initiative and independent thought; make critical judgments about arguments in their specified field of study by understanding the role of evidence; use and present material orally in the target language in a clear and effective manner; present and construct rational and reasoned theses and arguments to a range of audiences in both written and oral form; generate and explore hypotheses and research questions; integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives; engage in analytical and evaluative thinking.
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