MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: UPGPPD-30-3 Title: English Independent Project Version: 3
Level: 3 UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 30
Module type: Standard
Owning Faculty: SSH Field: English
Valid from: Sept 2010 Discontinued from:
Faculty Committee approval: QSC
Contributes towards: Awards up to BA (Hons)
Pre-requisites: UPGPDC-60-1 - Approaches to Literature and Criticism
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes and key skills:
Upon completion of this module, the successful student will be able to demonstrate:
1. An advanced competence in research methods for literary study including bibliographic research, database usage and a primary investigation of material; (Component A.)
2. The ability to independently identify, define and develop a research topic; (Component A.)
3. The ability to demonstrate, in a selected written form, the ability to think creatively, and to synthesise independent research with relevant fields of critical debate; (Component A.)
4. The ability to articulate a sophisticated and sustained argument; (Component A.)
5. The ability to produce written work that is clear, coherent, precise and accurate. (Component A.)
Syllabus outline:
Each year a number of options will be offered which reflect the diversity of the English curriculum. Students will be required to select their own topic in consultation with staff, and will have to provide a detailed proposal.
Teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught through lectures, seminars and individual consultations. Group seminars in the autumn semester will give students guidance with regard to structuring an independent project and will enable them to discuss their plans with other students working in a similar area and to monitor progress. The module will utilize both individual consultations and group seminars with students, as necessary. The module complements the GDP provision at level 3.
Reading strategy:
Students will be required to purchase the primary texts suited to their individual projects. They will have recourse, via the library, to a wide variety of books, articles and e-texts that will allow them to develop and enhance their independent research skills. Students will be required to access a wide array of databases in order to compile both their topic proposals and their final bibliographies. Such databases will include: MLA, EEBO, ECCO, LION and JSTOR, all of which are available through the elibrary.
Indicative reading list:
Altick, Richard Daniel. The Art of Literary Research. 4th edn., New York: Norton, 1993.
Berry, Ralph. The Research Project: How to Write It. 4th edn., London: Routledge, 2000.
Eliot, Simon and W. R. Owens. A Handbook to Literary Research. New York: Routledge, 1998.
Luck, Martin. Your Student Research Project. Aldershot: Gower, 1999.
Marshall, Lorraine A. A Guide to Learning Independently. 3rd edn., Buckingham: Open University
Press, 1998.
Preece, Roy. Starting Research: An Introduction to Academic Research and Dissertation Writing.
London: Pinter, 2000.
Sharp, John A, et al. The Management of a Student Research Project. 3rd edn., Aldershot: Gower,
2002.
Walliman, Nicholas S. R. Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First Time
Researcher. 2nd edn., London: Sage, 2005.
Assessment
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Topic Proposal 10%
2. English Independent Project (8,000–10,000 words) Final Assessment 85%
Choices of Assessment include either:
Dissertation (10,000 words); or
Research-based Creative Writing (8,000-10,000 words); or
Module Design (10,000 words); or
Criticism and Review (10,000 words); or
Anthology (10,000 words).
3. Attendance 5%
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Topic Proposal 10%
2. English Independent Project (8,000–10,000 words) 90%
Choices of Assessment include either:
Dissertation (10,000 words); or
Research-based Creative Writing (8,000-10,000 words); or
Module Design (10,000 words); or
Criticism and Review (10,000 words); or
Anthology (10,000 words).
EXCEPTIONAL SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. Topic Proposal 10%
2. English Independent Project (8,000–10,000 words) 85%
Choices of Assessment include either:
Dissertation (10,000 words); or
Research-based Creative Writing (8,000-10,000 words); or
Module Design (10,000 words); or
Criticism and Review (10,000 words); or
Anthology (10,000 words).
3. Attendance 5%
Specification confirmed by ……………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)