Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The overall aim of the Research Portfolio is consistent with the overall aim of the programme: to develop students’ knowledge of empirical research in Inter-Cultural Communication (ICC) and Cross-Cultural Communication (CCC), in conjunction with their chosen specialism, and to develop their skills as independent, critical researchers. More specific aims for students are:

1.       To apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired from the taught modules to independent research.
2.       To provide opportunities for students to critically evaluate information they read in the literature.
3.       To design an appropriate piece of research.
4.       To collect, analyse and evaluate information/data.
5.       To present their work to a high standard, orally and in writing.
6.       To present written reports which include a relevant literature review and a discussion of research findings.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is structured to fit around the three Research File assignments. As such, the course is divided into three main parts:

Part 1: Introducing Empirical Research for ICC/CCC
In these sessions (semester 1), students are:
•       Introduced to some theoretical issues pertaining to ICC/CCC
•       Introduced to the concept of empirical academic research, particularly as it relates to the topic of intercultural communication (ICC) and cross-cultural communication (CCC)
•       Introduced to criticality – how to critically evaluate empirical research
•       Given guidance on using library and information resources for your own research and assignments
•       Given further information and guidance on reflecting on ‘critical incidents’ and on how to produce an annotated bibliography (in preparation for writing the RF1 assignment)

Part 2: Data collection and analysis for ICC/CCC
In these sessions (over semesters 1 and 2), students are:
•       Introduced to a variety of data collection and data analysis methods which are of use to scholars investigating ICC and CCC
•       Encouraged to critically evaluate the various strengths and weaknesses of these (and other) methods
•       Enabled to develop skills in selecting the most relevant forms of data collection and analysis for various research projects
•       Given guidance on how to critically evaluate the research methods and research design of published empirical studies (in preparation for the RF2 presentation assignment)

Part 3: Proposing, Planning and Conducting an ICC/CCC Research Project
In these sessions (semester 2), students are:
•       Given guidance on designing effective research questions, and planning a research project
•       Given guidance on writing an research proposal
•       Given guidance on writing a research paper
•       Given further details on RF3 proposal and RF3

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of the Research Portfolio students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Further understanding of ICC/CCC as a field of academic study, and some of the key theoretical approaches therein
2. An understanding of a range of data collection and analytic methods in the social sciences
3. An understanding of how these methods have been, and can be, applied to the field of ICC/CCC
4. An understanding of how empirical research is designed and conducted in the field of ICC/CCC

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Identifying, accessing, and organizing information, particularly that found in libraries and online.
2. Critical evaluation of academic theory and arguments
3. Ability to propose, plan, design and conduct an empirical research project
4. Skills in data collection and analysis
5. Organisation and time management on independent projects
6. Appropriate and effective presentation skills, both written and oral

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide an introduction to the weekly content, establish a basic level of understanding of the topic, provide opportunities for discussion and personal reflections, and signal areas for individual further study and essential and further reading. Group activities are often linked to pre-class weekly reading.

Structured Guided Learning activities provide students with weekly opportunities to consolidate learning through guided tasks linked to the weekly topic.

In some weeks, students will practise their data collection and analysis techniques in seminar workshops.

Independent study will enable wider reading, further personal self-reflection and assignment preparation.

Throughout the taught stage of the module, students will be prepared for conducting their own research project (Research File 3). In the research stage, students will be supported through 1-1 tutorials with an appointed supervisor.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The theory- and study skills-related outcomes will be assessed through Research File 1 (Critical annotated bibliography + Research skills reflection). The ability to identify and critically evaluate relevant methodological approaches and practices will be assessed in Research File 2 (presentation). The ability to identify relevant gaps in the field of research, to identify links between research and practice, and design a research project is assessed in the Research File 3 (proposal). The skills outcomes, including ability to conduct data collection and data collection, and to understand how data analyses can contribute to a field of study, will be assessed through Research File 3 (research project).

General Notes

N/A