Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | 10 x 1.5 hour seminars |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | A 5000-word portfolio consisting of both a) a research proposal and b) a related bibliographical component. Part a) should constitute 3000-3500 words; and part b) should constitute 1500-2000 words, the total number of words for the portfolio making 5000 altogether. Part a) of the research proposal should be for either i) an MA dissertation or ii) a PhD thesis (you should state clearly which applies to your proposal). Part a) the research proposal should include: 1. The title of the proposed research topic 2. A brief introduction to the research topic 3. A list of research questions 4. A discussion of research context 5. A discussion of primary and secondary sources and their availability 6. What contribution the project will make to knowledge and understanding in the area and discipline 7. An account of the research methodology 8. An account of training and preparation you have had and you will need 9. A timetable for completion Part b) the related bibliographical component should include: 1. A discussion of the usefulness of specific bibliographical resources in relation to the research proposal 2. An annotated bibliography, that arranges texts in a cogent manner, and that gives an account of the usefulness of individual texts | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | RESUBMISSION OF FAILED ELEMENTS Resubmit any failed elements and/or make good any missing elements. Where this involves re-submission of work, a new topic must be selected. |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to.
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and nature of research in the field of English Studies (broadly defined);
2. Design and formulate and design a research project in this field;
3 Demonstrate an understanding of the research skills necessary to undertake and complete a research project in this field.
Aims
This module is designed for all MA students in the English Department (and Writing students). It will introduce students to the relevant skills necessary for research, whether at the level of the MA dissertation or the PhD thesis. It is aimed to meet the research preparation requirements set out by the AHRC. It will also be available as a departmental research training module to PhD students in the English Department who have not already taken this module or an equivalent module at another institution.
Brief description
The module will cover a range of research preparation skills including exploiting library resources in Aberystwyth and beyond, using electronic journals and other IT skills, building a bibliography, researching and writing a proposal, structuring a dissertation or thesis, building and sustaining an argument, footnotes and referencing, and proof-reading and presentation.
Content
_Seminar 1: Introduction
What is research in English; project formulation; where to start; time management; note taking and reading; transcribing accurately; using journals, edited collections, monographs and websites.
_Seminar 2: Library Resources
Navigating resources in the Hugh Owen and Thomas Parry Libraries and in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth; using archives.
_Seminar 3: Library Resources
Navigating the National Library of Wales Aberystwyth. Using archives.
_Seminar 4: Presentation Skills
Advice on oral presentations
_Seminar 5: Building a Bibliography
On-line and networked resources, primary and secondary literature, interdisciplinary research using 'Endnote'.
_Seminar 6: Researching and Writing a Proposal (i)
Formulating research questions, and research methodologies; identifying resources and primary material.
_Seminar7: Researching and Writing a Proposal (ii)
Structuring and presenting a concise proposal.
_Seminar 8: Structuring a dissertation or thesis
_Seminar 9: Building and sustaining an argument
_Seminar 10: Researching and Writing a Proposal Workshop
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | N/A |
| Communication | Yes: written communication |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Yes: develop own research managing skills |
| Information Technology | Yes: using electronic resources, `EndNote', word-processing etc |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Yes, in relation to research related career development. |
| Problem solving | Yes: formulating and answering research questions |
| Research skills | Yes |
| Subject Specific Skills | Research skills in English Studies |
| Team work | N/A |
Reading List
Recommended ConsultationGina Wisker (2001) The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD Palgrave Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7