Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module equips students with the methodological skills set as well as the analytical and critical abilities required to conduct PG level research. More specifically, the module will:
•       equip students with a wide range of tools required to carry out research in linguistics, including their chosen subfield
•       enable students to critically appraise published research
•       hone students' writing skills, with particular focus on argumentation
•       develop students' oral skills in presenting their own work

Outline Of Syllabus

SEMESTER 1
Linguistics component
- Focus on the scientific research process

Library component
- Introduction to the Library’s resources and services
- Searching the research literature
- Referencing and annotation software
- Scholarly communication in the 21st century

SEMESTER 2
Linguistics component
- Focus on data analysis skills
- Dissertation preparation

Library component
- Library refresher

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students that have successfully completed the module will:
• understand the range of methodologies applied in linguistics and English Language.
• be cognisant of the potential problems associated with data retrieval and handling.
• have specialist knowledge of the methodologies applied in their area of interest.
• the nature and goals of research, including ethical considerations; the design and implementation of sound empirical investigation; the ability to use computerised tools developed for assisting linguistics/English language research and the application of basic statistical analysis of data.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students that have successfully completed the module will, in general (and with respect to their own area of research interest), be able to:
• demonstrate awareness of the range of approaches in linguistics and English Language.
• use a variety of tools to conduct linguistic analyses.
• carry out a small-scale investigation and be prepared to conduct a larger research project.
• identify, select and draw upon a wide range of research resources, printed and electronic.
• use information technology appropriately to support their research.
• read critically.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be used primarily to impart information and provide an overall coherence for the module.
Small group teaching and workshops will focus on developing students’ research and transferable skills. They also aim to enhance interpretation of divergent approaches to linguistic data analysis, improve oral and writing skills, and build team work in a specific area.

One-to-one student-supervisors meetings will provide students with the opportunity to regularly meet with their supervisor to start shaping the research project to be carried out in the research-phase of the programme.

Independent study enables students to undertake relevant reading, investigate relevant areas, execute independent research, and develop their methodology.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The critical evaluation of research methods will demonstrate students’ ability to:
•       identify methods relevant to their proposed research-phase thesis project
•       evaluate the strengths and limitations of these methods
•       assess how past research practices could be improved upon in the project proposed for the research-phase thesis project

The critical evaluation of a recently published research paper will demonstrate students’ ability to:
•       identify recently published research relevant to their proposed research-phase thesis project
•       evaluate the quality of the paper, with a special emphasis on issues of validity and reliability
•       assess what contribution the project proposed for the research-phase thesis project could make to the topic discussed in the chosen article

General Notes

This is a core module for the taught part of the IPhD in Linguistics and English Language programme, and students are required to pass this module and receive an average mark of at least 60 across the taught modules taken in Semesters 1 and 2 in order to progress towards SEL8350 Research Project for IPhD students, taken in Semester 3 of the first year of the programme.