Module KAH-0004:
Foundation Project

Module Facts

Run by College of Arts, Humanities and Business

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Eben Muse

Overall aims and purpose

This module gives you the opportunity to investigate, under supervisory guidance, a topic or issue related to your chosen field of study. You will adapt the proposal from KAH-0003 Introduction to Research and Inquiry based on feedback received. You will then spend the semester completing the project. As you work you will complete a regular research log to record your progress and the decisions that you make. You will be supported in your independent enquiry through regular meetings with a supervisor from your chosen subject, practical workshops with the module leader, and feedback from your fellow students.

Course content

At the start of the module students will respond to feedback received on their research proposals in KAH-0003 and produce a revised version. They will complete the proposed research project over the course of the semester, supported by a supervisor from the chosen subject, practical workshops with the module leader, and reporting sessions with other students in which they will report on progress and provide peer-feedback. Practical workshops will focus on how to manage an independent research project, how to analyse and summarise data collected, and how to present the results in a project report making proper use of evidence.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

D- to D+

  • Has developed a basic level of factual and conceptual understanding of the subject; Reading/research is limited to that gained through class contact;
  • There is some evidence of analysis and evaluation, but work is mainly descriptive with an uncritical acceptance of information, and unsubstantiated opinions may be evident; Lack of logical development of an argument;
  • Shows a limited understanding of the application of research-informed literature or attempt to apply knowledge across situations; Responses may not be meaningful;
  • Structure is weak and/or inconsistent and lacking in sequential development; Mistakes in grammar or syntax; Immature style; Citations and bibliography poorly or inconsistently presented; Demonstrates few qualities and transferable skills required for employment;
  • Some evidence of ability to collect appropriate data/ information and undertake straightforward research tasks with external guidance;
  • Can communicate in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s), but with evident weaknesses;
  • Can work effectively with others as a member of a group, and meet most obligations to others (e.g. tutors and peers);
  • Able to recognise own strengths and weaknesses in relation to professional and practical skills identified by others, but lacking insight in some areas;

excellent

A- to A*

  • Has developed a broad factual and conceptual understanding of the subject relative to the level through extensive reading;
  • Has analysed and evaluated information using defined techniques & principles; Can collate and categorise ideas and information and can select what is relevant to support analysis and evaluation and develop a coherent argument, appropriate to the level of development; Has developed an early critical approach to information;
  • Can generate a range of appropriate responses to given problems, some of which may be innovative; good reference to and application of research –informed literature;
  • Well-organised presentation which develops flow and progression in a well-structured argument; Syntax/grammar indicates an appropriate level of maturity; Demonstrates a broad range of qualities and transferable skills required for employment;
  • Can collect and interpret appropriate data and successfully undertake research tasks with a degree of autonomy;
  • Can communicate very effectively in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s);
  • Can work very effectively with others as a member of a group, showing leadership skills where appropriate, and meet all obligations to others (eg tutors and peers);

good

C- to C+

  • Has developed a sound understanding of the subject appropriate to this level; There is evidence of wider reading which goes beyond that gained from tutor contact;
  • Intelligent attempt at analysing and evaluating information; Well argued with appropriate amount of evidence, substantiated opinions are given;
  • Can apply knowledge of research-informed literature to different contexts and generate a range of responses to given situations;
  • Structure is coherent and logical showing progression to the argument; There are few mistakes in presentation or citation; Demonstrates qualities and transferable skills required for employment;
  • Can collect and interpret appropriate data/ information and undertake straightforward research tasks with external guidance;
  • Can communicate effectively in a range of formats, including orally, appropriate to the discipline(s);
  • Can work effectively with others as a member of a group, and meet obligations to others (eg tutors and peers);
  • Able to evaluate own strengths and weaknesses in relation to professional and practical skills identified by others;

Learning outcomes

  1. Plan and execute a research project appropriate to the problem under investigation

  2. Collect and analyse data, form a conclusion and make practical recommendations

  3. Write a research report using appropriate style, voice, citation and referencing

  4. Apply research methodologies, methods, and analytical techniques to a defined problem

  5. Develop detailed knowledge and understanding of a specific topic in their discipline

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
REPORT Project report

Final project report on research project

 60
LOGBOOK OR PORTFOLIO Research Log

Maintain a bi-weekly research log recording and reflecting on progress. The first entry will be a response to feedback on their research project proposal.

 40

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Seminar

Bi-weekly Student-led reporting sessions

 6
Workshop

Bi-weekly 1-hour workshop sessions

 6
Tutorial

Bi-weekly Supervision meetings (6 15-minute) with subject supervisor.

 2
Private study 186

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • The ability to read and analyse texts and other primary sources, both critically and empathetically, while addressing questions of genre, content, perspective and purpose.
  • The appreciation of the complexity and diversity of situations, events, discourses, cultures and mentalities.
  • Awareness of a range of viewpoints and ways to cope with this.
  • Appreciation of the range of problems involved in the interpretation of complex, ambiguous, conflicting and often incomplete material.
  • Comprehension of the limitations of knowledge and the dangers of simplistic explanations, providing an enhanced ability to critically analyse broader claims in public life.
  • Basic critical skills: a recognition that statements are not all of equal validity, that there are ways of testing them, and that researchers operate by rules of evidence which, though themselves subject to critical evaluation, are also a component of intellectual integrity and maturity.
  • Intellectual independence to ask questions, set tasks, pursue structured enquiries and solve problems.
  • The ability to formulate appropriate questions and to provide answers to them using valid and relevant evidence and argument.
  • The ability to gather, sift, select, organise and synthesise large quantities of evidence.
  • Marshalling of argument in written and oral form that is structured, relevant and concise.
  • The ability to compose written argument expressed in clear, lucid and coherent prose.
  • The capacity to sustain a reasoned line of argument in the face of others, to listen, to engage in sustained debate, and amend views as necessary in the light of evidence and argument.

Resources

Resource implications for students

There are no resource implications for students on this module.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/kah-0004.html

Reading list

Walliman, N. (2010). Research Methods: The Basics. Abingdon: Routledge.

Courses including this module