Unit information: Modern Language Studies Independent Research Project in 2023/24

Unit name	Modern Language Studies Independent Research Project
Unit code	MODL30039
Credit points	40
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Foster
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	N/A
School/department	School of Modern Languages
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

The aim of this unit is to support students to produce a high-quality research-based project in the broad disciplinary field of Modern Languages. Students will identify a topic or research question which interests them, and follow that interest through independently by studying extensively and over a sustained period while developing their skills in detailed, self-motivated research.

In TB1 students will receive training in the establishment of a project topic or field of inquiry and in the identification of appropriate materials for research (print and/or electronic, verbal and/or visual, literary and/or extra-literary). Once preliminary subject matter is identified, students will work with a supervisor to develop an outline of the subject matter, approach, methodology, and existing literature.

The extended essay on the topic agreed with the supervisor will be researched and written with the support of fortnightly ‘drop-in’ sessions with the supervisor and designated individual meetings.

While the thesis will be written in English, the student will also elaborate a potentially public-facing element emerging from the research findings (e.g. prospectus, interview, museum / library catalogue entries, newspaper article, teaching materials) and prepared in the target language(s). This will ensure that the unit also incorporates active use of the target language(s). Student will have access to dedicated supervision by language staff for this component of the assessment.

This independent research project should focus on one foreign language only.

Your learning on this unit

The students will be able to:

1. formulate a viable area of independent study with a clear rationale and focus;
2. identify and justify research methods and materials with which to enhance an understanding of the relevant disciplines;
3. engage creatively with and evaluate a body of material, including primary or secondary literature, theoretical and critical scholarship, texts, including in non-print media, other sources and ideas as a basis for their own analysis and development (many or most of these sources will be in a language other than English and will enhance the development of linguistic skills);
4. develop skills of analysis and synthesis beyond the level achieved at levels 4 and 5;
5. design a coherent piece of researched scholarship to demonstrate a deep understanding of a specific aesthetic, social, or political topic relevant to a region or areas where the language of study is spoken;
6. synthesize and present core or original elements of research in ways appropriate to a defined non-academic or public audience in the target language.

How you will learn

• TB1: Fortnightly study skills lectures + initial meetings with individual supervisor
• TB2: fortnightly clinics, run on a drop-in basis, for one-on-one support + designated individual meetings with supervisor
• Learning will be further supported through opportunities for peer dialogue and at least two organised ‘writing retreats’ in which to consolidate projects and share the challenges and successes of the writing process.

How you will be assessed

1 x 1000-word preparatory outline of the subject matter, approach, methodology, and existing literature (10%). [ILOs 1-2]

1 x 6000-word extended essay on the topic agreed with the supervisor (65%). [ILOs 3-5]

1 x public-facing presentation (e.g. prospectus, interview, museum / library catalogue entries, newspaper article, teaching materials, video essay, etc.), prepared in one of the target languages (25%: 15% for the materials and 10% for the presentation to peers). [ILO 6]

Resources

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. MODL30039).

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 University 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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.