LANG3009 Research Skills 1

Module Aims

? To allow you to undertake independent research with guidance from a supervisor whilst you are abroad ? To employ informed thinking and reading (from S1 and/or S2 year three content modules) about the MLANG ISM major themes – multiculturalism and identity construction – to locate your ISM project area ? To define your ISM research topic and research question (i.e. formulation of a working title) also informed by your investigation of materials in S1 and/or S2 year three content modules ? To identify your ISM primary resources and the scope of the project ? To further your target reading to enable you to develop your ISM research plan ? To introduce you to the generic and practical research skills necessary for advanced level study ? To enable students coming from various disciplinary backgrounds to formulate research topics, use evidence, construct complex arguments, read primary and secondary resources critically, develop independent thinking and present written work in accordance with academic research conventions (correct formatting of references, bibliography etc.) To provide a range of transferable written communication skills, time-management and other organisational skills, to prepare you for the world of work ? To prepare you for further post-graduate study (MRes, M.Phil, PhD)

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a grasp of relevant bibliographic systems (Harvard or other) and the ability to use correct referencing conventions via discrete set tasks
• Demonstrate originality of thought and approach, moving beyond paraphrase of others’ ideas, or simple synthesis of secondary materials
• Demonstrate an ability to write appropriately via discrete set tasks an annotated bibliography in which you will not only provide context but also a critical analysis of the texts in question in relation to the broader context of its field of research as well as being able to provide an evaluation of the relevance and usefulness of the texts to your chosen ISM topic.
• Demonstrate the ability to produce via a discrete set task a feasibility and scoping study for your ISM project, through the development of key research skills
• The ability to engage with theoretical approaches applicable to your chosen area(s) of study
• Engage with critical debates through sustained argument in preparation for the extended piece of academic writing in second semester
• Analyse, evaluate and synthesise primary and secondary materials and sources in order (1) to build and sustain your own argument and (2) to express it in an appropriate written register and format;
• Make relevant connections between different critical methodologies and use, where appropriate, interdisciplinary and comparative modes of approaching the subject
• Undertake independent information collection work – interviewing (only relevant to certain ISM modules), archival retrieval, establishment of databases etc. as relevant to your topic
• Where appropriate, develop relevant empirical, technical or creative research techniques;