Research Project

Module Identifier: EL22000
Module Title: Research Project
Academic Year: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1 Taught over 2 semesters
Co-ordinator: Dr Jennifer Wood
Reading List: View on Aspire
Pre-Requisite: Elegibility for entry into Level 2 French, German, Italian or Spanish R991.
Exclusive (Any Acad Year): Module should normally only be available to single language pathway (French; German; Italian; Spanish & Latin American Studies) students
Other Staff

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Research Proposal: Research proposal (ca.1000 words plus bibliography)	20%
Semester Assessment	Oral Presentation: Oral examination - Presentation plus discussion. 20 Minutes	20%
Semester Assessment	Extended Research Essay: 4000 Words	60%
Supplementary Assessment	Oral Presentation: Oral examination - Presentation plus discussion. 20 Minutes	20%
Supplementary Assessment	Extended Research Essay: 4000 Words	60%
Supplementary Assessment	Research Proposal: Research proposal (ca.1000 words plus bibliography)	20%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to use a range of relevant research methods and techniques.
Organize research within the given frameworks (e.g. time management, structuring).
Formulate a research question that is of appropriate scope and depth for a project of this nature.
Critically read and analyse scholarship in the chosen field of study in the target language.
Structure arguments in a coherent and convincing manner, showing awareness of key issues.
Write an extended research essay in compliance with the formal requirements of the discipline, including referencing and bibliography.
Present the methodology used and the findings of the research project in a convincing manner.
Engage in intellectual oral discussion.
Use written academic language accurately.

Brief description

Research project on a chosen topic, arising from modules taken previously or being taken concurrently, or own interest. Topics are chosen in collaboration
with the module convenor and the individual supervisor. This module offers Level 2 single language students the opportunity to study under close supervision a specific topic related to their target language in greater detail. It will equip students with a knowledge of research methods, and the research and presentation skills, both oral and written, necessary for the successful completion of their degree. It also allows students to develop their ability to work independently and to solve problems arising from the research itself.

Content

Important dates during the year are:
- student will meet the module convener during the first week of teaching: depending on their topic of interest they will be allocated a supervisor
- before teaching week 5 and in conjunction with the student’s supervisor the topic and provisional Research Project title will be agreed
- Last week of teaching in Semester 1: submission of research proposal
- Submission: end of Semester 2 teaching
- Oral Presentation: During summer exam period.

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Adaptability and resilience	Students will develop independent study skills by researching, debating with their supervisor and peers and by presenting their research both orally and in writing. They will develop cognitive flexibility, openness to new ideas, problem solving and critical thinking skills, learning how to adjust their thinking / strategies to fit new circumstances. They will also develop the capacity to manage setbacks, stay motivated and focused.
Co-ordinating with others	Students will be working with a supervisor and will thereby gain the necessary skills to work both independently and collaboratively with their supervisor.
Creative Problem Solving	Selecting a suitable research topic. Formulating research questions, in collaboration with their supervisor. Locating resources / primary and secondary literature. Identifying and overcoming difficulties in the research and writing process (access to documents, sensitive topics, etc.).
Critical and analytical thinking	Students will formulate their research question/s, in collaboration with their supervisor. They will locate primary and secondary literature and critically analyse these sources. They will develop cognitive flexibility, openness to new ideas, problem solving and critical thinking skills, learning how to adjust their thinking / strategies to fit new circumstances.
Digital capability	Students will be expected to use relevant forms of digital Humanities.
Professional communication	Development of clear and accurate written and oral expression in the language(s) of their research project.
Reflection	Students will develop independent research and study skills and gain confidence in bringing together original and innovative research methods and ideas. Students will develop their own research question(s) and will critically evaluate primary and secondary sources, alongside their own oral and written production.
Subject Specific Skills	Independent research in the field of the target language; academic writing; use of rhetorical and persuasive written skills; academic oral expression.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5