Modern Languages and Linguistics Independent Study Module

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the field and formulate and clarify critical questions
• engage with subject matter in both breadth and depth
• identify concepts and data relevant to the task in hand
• plan and carry out a focused research project drawing on the latest research and thinking in the area
• define, present and exemplify concepts in the languages and related studies area

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• use ICT to produce documents and other material using a computer, primarily through word processing but, where appropriate, using other software
• set and monitor goals, reflecting on your own learning and learning from feedback
• exercise independence and initiative particularly during the period abroad
• plan and organise your learning through self management
• produce writing in appropriate genres and to required conventions, including referencing and identification

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• research which is at the forefront in your chosen field and how to critically engage with the latest thinking
• one or more aspects of the cultures, linguistic contexts, history, politics, geography, economic structures of a country(ies) region(s) of the world other than your own
• significant and sometimes competing methodologies within the context of the languages and related studies curriculum.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• plan and manage an extended period of residence abroad in one country

This module involves the supervision of students in individual online sessions leading towards the formal submission of the piece of independent study at the end of the second semester.

You will have a bank of 12 hours of supervision time, the use of which you will negotiate with the module coordinator. It is anticipated that the time will be shared between email contact and skype sessions and the precise nature of those sessions should be established in consultation with the module coordinator.

It is suggested that the first 6 hours should be used in conjunction with the prescribed readings in order to establish that you have a clear understanding of the central themes and the main views and arguments which are relevant for your independent study. The second set of 6 hours can be used for close supervision of the proposed area of study.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• online support from the module coordinator
• on line group discussion (where student numbers permit)

Learning activities include

• individual research
• use of local resources
• completion of the independent study assignment

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Blackboard. Relevant resources will vary according to your precise area of study and selected resources from the SPAN, GERM, FREN and PORT modules will be made available through Blackboard or as e-texts through the Hartley library.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External