Signature Project

Code

LIBA3006

School

Liberal Arts

Level

3

Credits

40

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module involves the in-depth exploration of a specific topic, event or theme through the design, development, and production of an independent interdisciplinary project. The Signature Project can be either Critical (comprised of a single extended research essay) or Creative-Critical (comprised of a creative component complemented by a critical component). All formats will be interdisciplinary in approach and centred on independent research.

The Signature Project is designed as a capstone to the Liberal Arts degree. Students will be supported to design a project which makes connections between approaches and ideas encountered throughout their undergraduate studies and pursue their individual interests.

Throughout the module, students will gain experience of independent research, project management, responding reflectively to feedback, and situating their ideas within wider communities of academic practice. 

Target Students

Only available to BA Liberal Arts StudentsOnly Available to Final Year Students

Classes

Students will be taught via series of workshops and supervision meetings

Assessment

• 10% Coursework 1: Project plan
• 10% Coursework 2: Research presentation
• 80% Coursework: Signature Project

Assessed in both autumn & spring semest

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the module students will: 

●   develop in-depth knowledge of a research topic of their choice 
●   be adept at a chosen method of qualitative research 
●   explain and interpret the main scholarly literature that underpins the topic of their research 
●   gain cross-disciplinary expertise of scholarly debates and discussions relevant to their topic of research.  
●   gain confidence in navigating a singular research question across different disciplines 

Intellectual skills: By the end of the module students should be able to: 

●    think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter of their project  
●    identify and address key problems relevant to it  
●   identify and interpret relevant sources on their chosen topic and be aware of diverse disciplinary interpretations on their chosen subject matter.   
●    construct coherent and independent arguments of their own 

Professional skills: The module will develop students' ability to: 

●    select, sift and synthesise information from a range of sources  
●    identify and compare key arguments in those materials  
●    plan, research and write a sustained piece of independent academic research  
●    use IT to access relevant sources and information, and complete the signature project 
• Present research in a concise manner

Transferable skills:  The module will also develop students' ability to: 

●    undertake a research project 
●    manage a large and disparate body of information 
●    express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in writing an extended piece of work 
●    manage and take responsibility for their own learning 
• Communicate specialist research knowledge to a general audience

Conveners

• Dr Edward Clough
• Christopher Thornhill