Major Project in English

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Arts and Humanities

Credit Rating:

Level (including FHEQ):

M (FHEQ Level 7)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Module Leader:

Merrick Burrow

Version Number

2024.01

Learning Methods

Tutorial and Project Supervision

Guided Independent Study

Seminar

Synopsis

This module supports students in the development of a significant piece of independent research, culminating in a written output. This could include literary criticism, author biography, linguistics research, or other kinds of writing. (Forms other than writing, such as a podcast series or short film, are negotiable with the module leader and their size/length must equate to the stipulated length of a written output and include a critical commentary). The programme of study and development will be determined in consultation with a specialist supervisor and the student will be guided in the project through a series of one-to-one supervision meetings with that supervisor. The project can be on a topic of your choice.

Learning Strategy

This module is taught via a combination of live workshops (making use of a flipped classroom model) and specialist supervisions. Supervisions are anticipated to be 30 minutes long and one-to-one (this length of time reflects student preference and the advantages of spacing more supervisions across the module). You will be expected to prepare for supervisions with chapter/project plans and methodological questions; learning materials and other resources will be made available via Brightspace to enable you to do this. You will undertake a significant amount of supported independent research. Resources to help you plan and structure the project will also be available via Brightspace.

Outline Syllabus

The weeks below indicate teaching weeks and do not include consolidation weeks, vacations or assessment periods. Flipped learning materials are indicated week by week to help students orientate themselves in relation to the material and progression of the module. Week 1 - Online introduction to the module (flipped classroom materials … For more content click the Read More button below. Week 2 - Workshop/seminar (research ethics and responsibilities). Week 3 - Project planning (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Week 4 - Beginning your research (asynchronous). Week 5 - Workshop/seminar: Major projects in English. Week 6 - Research questions (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Week 7 - Non-standard teaching week (anticipated). Week 8 - Managing your references (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Week 9 - Where to find your sources/evidence/data(flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Week 10 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor. Week 11 - Time management (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Week 12 - Reflection on progress; planning for term 2 (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Christmas vacation and consolidation Week 13 - Workshop/seminar: writing introductions. Week 14 - Optional peer feedback and support session (not included in contact hours). Week 15 - Workshop: making progress on your major project. Week 16 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor. Week 17 - Non-standard teaching week; poster presentations. Week 18 - Optional peer feedback and support session (not included in contact hours). Week 19 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor. Week 20 - Writing conclusions (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Week 21 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor. Week 22 - Formatting your project (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace). Week 23 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor. Week 24 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor.

Week 1 - Online introduction to the module (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 2 - Workshop/seminar (research ethics and responsibilities).

Week 3 - Project planning (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 4 - Beginning your research (asynchronous).

Week 5 - Workshop/seminar: Major projects in English.

Week 6 - Research questions (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 7 - Non-standard teaching week (anticipated).

Week 8 - Managing your references (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 9 - Where to find your sources/evidence/data(flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 10 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor.

Week 11 - Time management (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 12 - Reflection on progress; planning for term 2 (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Christmas vacation and consolidation

Week 13 - Workshop/seminar: writing introductions.

Week 14 - Optional peer feedback and support session (not included in contact hours).

Week 15 - Workshop: making progress on your major project.

Week 16 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor.

Week 17 - Non-standard teaching week; poster presentations.

Week 18 - Optional peer feedback and support session (not included in contact hours).

Week 19 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor.

Week 20 - Writing conclusions (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 21 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor.

Week 22 - Formatting your project (flipped classroom materials on Brightspace).

Week 23 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor.

Week 24 - Supervision with dissertation supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will

be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of a topic relevant to English Literature, English Language, or Linguistics.

be able to critically analyse primary sources, texts and/or data, addressing questions of (for instance) genre, content, perspective and/or purpose.

be able to evaluate and build on the arguments, analysis and creative output of others to develop an idea.

be able to formulate relevant, cogent, and focused research questions appropriate for advanced research.

be able to seek and engage with supervision and guidance, responding positively and effectively to feedback from peers and tutors.

be able to independently set tasks as part of a planned project.

be able to communicate coherently, accurately and with clarity, using consistent referencing and a comprehensive bibliography.

be able to structure rigorous arguments in support of original central claims.

be able to select, reflect on and refine appropriate methodologies and approaches for a project in English.

10.

be able to undertake original research at an advanced level with academic and ethical integrity.

11.

be able to generate and develop original critical, reflective and/or investigative work.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Written plan

Assessment 2: Written draft

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Presentation

Assessment 2: Project Work

Description:A written output of 12,600 words based on independent research, which can include literary criticism, journalistic writing, travel writing, biography, linguistics research, or other kinds of writing. (Forms other than writing, such as a podcast series or short film, are negotiable with the module leader and must include a critical commentary).

Assessment Weight:90

Assessment Length:12600 Words (Equivalent Word Count)

Module Learning Outcomes:MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4, MLO5, MLO6, MLO7, MLO8, MLO9, MLO10, MLO11

Individual or Group:Individual

Final Assessment Component:Yes

Marked Anonymously:No

Eligible for Tutor Reassessment:Yes

Assessment Criteria

Markers will be assessing how well you have: Demonstrated advanced knowledge of your topic.Critically analysed primary sources, texts and/or data, addressing questions of (for instance) genre, content, perspective and/or purpose.Built on the arguments, analysis and creative output of others to develop an idea.Formulated relevant, cogent, and focused research questions.Written, structured … For more content click the Read More button below.

Markers will be assessing how well you have:

Demonstrated advanced knowledge of your topic.
Critically analysed primary sources, texts and/or data, addressing questions of (for instance) genre, content, perspective and/or purpose.
Built on the arguments, analysis and creative output of others to develop an idea.
Formulated relevant, cogent, and focused research questions.
Written, structured and edited your project, using consistent referencing and a comprehensive bibliography.
Structured rigorous arguments in support of original central claims.
Selected and reflected on appropriate methodologies and approaches for your project.
Undertaken original research with academic and ethical integrity.

My Reading

Reading List

Fabb, N., & Durant, A. (2015;). How to write essays and dissertations: A guide for English literature students (Second;2;2nd; ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315835471.
Griffin, G. (2013). In Gabriele Griffin (Ed.), Research methods for english studies (Second;N - New, 2;2; ed.). Edinburgh University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780748683444.
Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (2020;2019;). Thesis and dissertation writing in a second language: A handbook for students and their supervisors (Second ed.).
Sousa Carrea, D. D., & Owens, W. R. (2010). The handbook to literary research (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203873335.
Terras, M. M., Nyhan, J., & Vanhoutte, E. (2013;2016;). Defining digital humanities: A reader (1st ed.). Ashgate Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315576251.

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