Cultures, Languages and Area Studies Dissertation
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC4074 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 4 | 60 | Summer UK |
- Code
- MLAC4074
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Summer UK
Summary
This module will consist of the selection, research and writing up of a topic in the field of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies, chosen after consultation with the Course Director and other appropriate staff members.
Target Students
Students enrolled on MA programmes in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies.
Classes
The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.Independent study and at least two supervisory sessions.
Assessment
- 100% Dissertation: Students write a 60-credit, 12,000-15000-word dissertation, in English or any of the languages taught in the academic departments in the School. The dissertation must compare examples from at least two literatures or cultures, this may include comparison of an original text and a translation of that text or interartistic comparison, where literature and another discipline, for example film, are compared.
Assessed by end of summer vacation
Educational Aims
to enable students to make the transition from undergraduate study to research-based study to encourage the understanding and analysis at a level appropriate to postgraduate study to encourage critical evaluation of current research to enable students to engage in the independent analysis of current approachesLearning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
A1 Critical awareness of specific debates and key issues
A2 Understanding of the cultural, historical, philosophical, linguistic and literary contexts of those debates
A3 Familiarity with current approaches and analytical frameworks in the areas studied
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section: Individual supervision, directed study and self-directed study, dissertation writing, feedback on dissertation plans and final versions, individual support with dissertation writing.
Intellectual Skills
B1 Ability to read and analyse complex primary and secondary sources
B2 Ability to think critically and challenge secondary sources if necessary
B3 Ability to organise and present the results of extended research
B4 Ability to write in the appropriate academic form
B5 Ability to engage in independent learning
B6 Ability to apply analytical approaches studied to new primary sources
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section: Working with high-level secondary literature. Detailed feedback on written work at draft stage and upon completion.
Professional/Practical Skills
C1 The acquisition of a range of appropriate research skills
C2 Ability to research a new topic within the areas covered by the dissertation
C3 Use of word-processing packages for producing long documents
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section: Working with high-level secondary literature. Selection of corpus and methodological approach for the dissertation. Feedback from supervisor on the researching and planning of the dissertation. Feedback on written presentation of draft and final dissertation.
Transferable/Key Skills
D1 Ability to read and analyse texts
D2 Ability to write accurately and grammatically
D3 Ability to engage in independent learning
D4 Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written modes
D5 Ability to manage time
D6 Self direction and acting autonomously in planning and implementing tasks
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section: All above skills are developed through the interaction between supervisor and student in supervisions, the production of oral and written work, and the supervisor's feedback on that work.