SEL8542 : Research Methods II
SEL8542 : Research Methods II
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Lucy Pearson
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The primary aims of this module are:
• The development of an ambitiously conceptualized dissertation proposal on the part of each
student
• The introduction of students to methodologies and principles of postgraduate independent research.
Outline Of Syllabus
An indicative syllabus would include workshops on:
• Conference organization
• Development of methodologies and frameworks for a Masters dissertation
• The purpose and practice of peer review
• Related careers
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module, students should:
• Have applied theoretical and practical knowledge of disciplinary methodologies
• Be able to situate their own intellectual development and project proposal within a
disciplinary framework
• Understand the processes of literature review
• Have completed pre-dissertation groundwork and be able to proceed to the Masters dissertation
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Complete an initial literature survey preparatory to framing questions for independent research
• Provide a comprehensive dissertation project proposal
• Complete a complex literature review which shows an understanding of their field of study and how their own areas of enquiry are situated within it.
• Reflect critically on their work and intellectual development, as well as that of others
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 54:00 | 54:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 120:00 | 120:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 2 | 0:30 | 1:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Small group teaching/workshops are the most appropriate strategies for successful delivery of the material being taught, as well as the fostering of the intellectual independence required of Masters students. Individual and collaborative independent work will underpin this work, introducing students to a wide range of research methodologies and enabling them to evaluate the best approaches for their own work.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | A | 65 | A Final Assessment of no more than 2500 words. |
| Portfolio | 2 | M | 35 | A portfolio of work of no more than 1500 words. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The initial portfolio will comprise short written exercises designed to explore the skills and concepts covered in seminars and workshops, designed to underpin the processes involved in planning a dissertation. By undertaking this exercise earlier in the academic term, the Module Leader will also be able to begin the process of pairing students with potential supervisors. The final assessment will ask students to think about their own dissertation/research topic in relation to an existing body of critical work and to situate their project within it. Students will gain a full understanding of the different possible approaches to independent research, and a deeper conceptual understanding of the principles of good academic practice. By the end of the module, they will be prepared to embark on the independent dissertation project.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8542's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL8542's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.