Module Content

The student undertakes a research project, which typically – though not necessarily – involves the collection and analysis of linguistic data. This includes producing a textual commentary, analysis or critique. (A literature review or similar is deemed to be original if it constitutes a critical synthesis not already available from any single existing source.) While an original contribution to knowledge is not required, credit will be given for resourcefulness, and independence of thought will be encouraged and valued. At the end of their second year of study, students will be expected to attend a series of group sessions with tutors, each of which will focus on different aspects of research (for example: how to write a research proposal; how to choose (an) appropriate method(s) of investigation for a chosen project). Students will be expected to work on their research proposal during the summer and submit it at the start of their final year. As an integral part of the research process, students will discuss their ongoing work with their supervisor, and act on the supervisor’s advice. Students are expected to carry out a detailed exploration of a chosen topic at an advanced level and in liaison with an academic supervisor who will ideally already have an expertise in the area of study. The module will consist of regular supervisory meetings to discuss the progress of students’ research and provide feedback on written work submitted in draft form. Primarily, however, the module will be based on independent learning, based on the following tasks, according to the nature of the dissertation to be undertaken:

• establishing a preliminary bibliography and refining the scope of a chosen topic;
• acquiring appropriate data, having account for practical and ethical issues;
• establishing a relevant methodology for the purposes of the project in question, including analysis of data;
• pursuing a programme of systematic research, including the selection and evaluation of critical, conceptual and contextual materials;
• providing chapter-length drafts for supervisor’s comment at mutually agreed points in the academic year, and refining and editing these drafts prior to final submission of the dissertation.

You will work towards the final dissertation and be expected to deliver a paper or poster at the annual Dissertation Conference (which may include students from Literature, Creative Writing and American Studies).

Teaching Methods

At the end of their second year of study, students will attend five 2-hour preparatory sessions, each of which will focus on different aspects of research. Students will be expected to work on their research proposal during the summer and submit approximately 500 words outlining their proposal at the start of their final year of study. Students will also have three hours of one-to-one meetings with their dissertation supervisor distributed across Semester 1 and three distributed across Semester 2 of year 3. General guidelines governing the conduct of the supervisory process, the development of research topics, and the format and presentation of dissertations will be distributed to students in booklet form. Further advice on independent study techniques, on the use of research materials, and on the composition and presentation of a dissertation will be given by supervisors according to the needs of the specific topic and the existing strengths and weaknesses of the student. Supervisors will encourage students to attain standards of good scholarly practice in the subject including precision and sensitivity in the interpretation of texts, accuracy in linguistic analysis, alertness to methodological problems and solutions, coherence of argument, clarity of style and overall structure, and exact and scrupulous observation of scholarly and bibliographical conventions. Supervision sessions with their tutor will include some or all of the following: discussion, question/answer sequences, demonstration of analytical tools, testing concepts/tools, problem-solving, and theoretical engagement with/critical application of ideas. Students will also learn through reflecting on these supervisory sessions and through feedback from the tutor. There is an expectation that students will engage interactively with the tutor during the supervisory sessions, and undertake additional reading and preparatory work outside of the supervisory sessions. In common with other English modules, this module is designed to foster an active, participatory, independent approach to learning, to develop critical faculties and to consolidate and develop written and oral communication skills. Students will obtain co-operative skills during classroom discussions, including the ability to engage in critical debate while showing respect for others. The will also develop problem-solving skills, the ability manage time and work to deadlines and will be encouraged to adopt reflective practices.

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through one Portfolio of tasks (draft, dissertation, Individual Conference Presentation or Poster.