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EL55D5: INVESTIGATING TEXTS: RESEARCH SKILLS FOR POSTGRADUATE ENGLISH STUDIES (2024-2025)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 11:07


Course Overview

This course is designed to provide an extended introduction to postgraduate research skills in English. It will prepare students to complete a dissertation at Masters level. Hands-on teaching methods including research workshops, archive visits and student colloquiums will be employed to help students to develop their skills and ideas at an advanced level.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Sarah Sharp

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an extended introduction to postgraduate research skills in English. It will prepare students to complete a dissertation at Masters level. Hands-on teaching methods including research workshops, archive visits and student colloquiums will be employed to help students to develop their skills and ideas at an advanced level.

The course is made up of three sections.

In Section 1 ‘Expanding Horizons’ classes will focus on strategies for research. Students will be supported in assembling an understanding of their field. The aim is to encourage students to explore widely, to practice research skills, and to develop a good working knowledge of the area they intend to work within on their final dissertation.

In Section 2 ‘Approaching the Project’ students are introduced to different methodologies used within their discipline. They are encouraged to explore different methodologies and apply them to their topic.

In Section 3 ‘Asking the Question’, using the knowledge developed over the earlier sections of the course, students assemble the information (research questions, key sources, approach) that will allow them to successfully propose a dissertation project.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Comparative Approaches Assignment

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks 32 Feedback Weeks 35

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Feedback

2,500-word comparative approaches assignment. 

Written feedback will be provided.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyCommunicate research plans clearly in writing and in spoken presentation.
ReflectionEvaluateStudents will be able to apply and evaluate the efficacy and appropriateness of commonly employed approaches from the field.

Tutorial/Seminar Participation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Written feedback will be provided.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyStudents will be able to deploy research skills appropriate to the discipline.
ProceduralApplyCommunicate research plans clearly in writing and in spoken presentation.

Annotated Bibliography

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks 30 Feedback Weeks 33

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Feedback

2,500-word annotated binliography.

Written feedback will be provided.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateDesign an effective research proposal with a viable scope, appropriate approach and defined research question.
ProceduralApplyCommunicate research plans clearly in writing and in spoken presentation.
ProceduralApplyStudents will be able to deploy research skills appropriate to the discipline.
ReflectionEvaluateStudents will be able to apply and evaluate the efficacy and appropriateness of commonly employed approaches from the field.

Project Plan, Summary or Abstract

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 39 Feedback Weeks 42

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Feedback

Final Project Presentation - 10 minutes

Oral and Written feedback will be provided.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateDesign an effective research proposal with a viable scope, appropriate approach and defined research question.
ProceduralApplyCommunicate research plans clearly in writing and in spoken presentation.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Project Plan, Summary or Abstract

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks 50 Feedback Weeks 52

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Feedback

 Final Project Presentation and 2,500 word development and feedback reflection

Written feedback will be provided.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyStudents will be able to deploy research skills appropriate to the discipline.
ReflectionEvaluateStudents will be able to apply and evaluate the efficacy and appropriateness of commonly employed approaches from the field.
ConceptualCreateDesign an effective research proposal with a viable scope, appropriate approach and defined research question.
ProceduralApplyCommunicate research plans clearly in writing and in spoken presentation.

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