| Unit name | Research Project on Literature and Community Engagement. |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL30208 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Pam Lock |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
An overview of content
The research project, like a dissertation is an extended essay on a subject of a student's choice that has been agreed by the Unit Director. Students choosing to write a research project/dissertation will meet regularly with an adviser for discussion of preparatory reading and research, work in progress, and drafts etc. The research project aims to allow a student to develop their research, writing, and critical reading skills, and may be of relevance to students who are considering postgraduate study.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
The students, personally, will be different as a result of this unit because of the independent nature of the study involved. This unit, following the foundation given by the Year 5 ‘Special Author Study’ unit led by Steven Lovatt, introduces students to skills such as initiating and managing a small research project, establishing research questions and/or parameters to guide the project, and delivering a well researched and presented final essay. These elements will encourage independent thought, good organisation skills, rigorous research methods, and improved communication skills (evidenced by good writing and editing). These represent very important transferable skills for postgraduate study and for employment.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate an ability to create and carry out their own well-structured research project.
2) Demonstrate advanced independent research skills.
3) Demonstrate understanding of and ability to use theory to inform research practise.
4) Communicate their ideas effectively and maturely
5) Present a persuasive and extended written argument
At the end of the unit, the successful student will be able to:
1) Demonstrate an ability to create and carry out their own well-structured research project.
2) Demonstrate advanced independent research skills.
3) Demonstrate understanding of and ability to use theory to inform research practise.
4) Communicate their ideas effectively and maturely
5) Present a persuasive and extended written argument
Teaching will involve asynchronous and synchronous elements, including group discussion, research and writing activities, and peer dialogue. Students are expected to engage with the reading and participate fully in tasks and topics. Learning will be further supported through 3 hours of one-to-one consultation with the dissertation supervisor.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1 x 6500-word dissertation (100%) [ILOs 1-5]
When assessment does not go to plan:
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ENGL30208).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
