The module consists of a series of seminars/workshops on generic and subject-specific research methods, the majority of which are normally delivered in intensive 1-2 day-long or half-day blocks.
Generic study skills and research methods covered in the seminars may include academic writing skills, what is good research and how to choose a research topic, research ethics, research methodologies and fieldwork, working in archives, with social media, etc.
Subject specific sessions will stress the multi-and interdisciplinary character of research and study in these disciplines. The main purpose of this module is to train, equip, and inform students concerning this methodological diversity and variety of concerns. Students will become critically acquainted with possible research "methods": e.g., historical, textual, empirical, etc.
Students should attend all of these sessions (not just those that seem directly relevant to their interests) as the breadth of topics will indicate the diversity of methods that are being used in related areas.
In certain circumstances, at the discretion of the programme and/or module lead, for some of the subject-specific classes, students may be asked to attend different classes depending on their disciplinary areas.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate comprehension of the range of critical methodologies and approaches that are used in research and in their programme subject area;
Identify and explain the 'appropriate' methodologies for addressing their own specific research questions;
Engage in 'self-critical' evaluation concerning their own methods, presuppositions and approaches to research and their programme subject area.
Assessment: 2500 word essay (50%) AND 2000 word Dissertation Proposal (50%); OR For students not taking LM Dissertation Preparation and Guided Reading 1 x 4000-word Dissertation Portfolio (100%).
