Overview

This module has been designed to support students in designing, conducting and producing research projects.

This module will equip students with an understanding and critical overview of the key conceptual and methodological issues associated with various types of research enquiry appropriate to students seeking to write a dissertation.

It addresses theoretical and practical issues in designing research projects, and therefore will also develop key transferable skills for the world of work. The topics to be addressed include research paradigms, research ethics, conducting literature reviews, formulating methodologies, textual and discourse analysis, and engaging in field research.

During the seminars students will develop key skills in presenting, discussing and critically evaluating research questions and proposed methods.

Assessment Strategy

A [70-100]: Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: Has originality of exposition with the student's own thinking being readily apparent; Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study; and Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

B [60-69]: Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Very good structure and logically developed argument; Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student; Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning; and Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

C [50-59]: Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Good structure and logically developed arguments; At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student; Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning; and Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

D [40-49]: Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: Generally accurate but with omissions and errors; Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning; Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions; and Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise academic or practice-based research within an appropriate set of cultural, social, institutional, economic and/or critical frameworks.

• Define a coherent approach to a research question, by designing and implementing a programme of study to support this question.

• Make use of appropriate literature to argue and evaluate the current body of knowledge in response to a research topic.

• Select a range of study skills and methodologies appropriate to research in the Arts and Humanities.