Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

As part of your research degree, you will be expected to design, carry out and write up a research project in the format of a thesis and defend this in a viva. The module introduces you to the advanced knowledge and research skills required to design and carry out an independent and original study in the broad areas of applied linguistics, linguistics, languages and education. It is organised to provide doctoral level training to help you design your study and to present this design to others. It introduces you to a variety of research methods used in investigating languages, teaching and learning. Two computer-lab based sessions introduce you to quantification, including software packages, using data relevant to your area. You will read, analyse and discuss exemplary research articles in this area. You will learn skills necessary to complete your research proposal and project and write a thesis. The module introduces you to doctoral-level issues such as originality. You will produce conference and seminar presentations of your research and evaluate the research of others. You will learn what is involved in writing a successful thesis and the basics of academic publishing.

Procedures

1.       A combination of lectures and workshops will introduce you to the relevant research skills and make you develop them through practice.
2.       The core textbook Research Methods for Applied Language Studies engages you with recent literature. The tasks in the book will enable you to learn how published researchers design and carry out their research, and prompts you to develop your critical voice by analysing other’s research.
3.       Various worksheets and check lists are designed to help you with your research proposal.
4.       You will present your research design to fellow doctoral students and academics and improve your design based on feedback.
5. You will present a conference paper and can choose to write a journal article if you wish.
6.       You will keep a learning journal, recording your experiences and detailing your reflections throughout the module. Keep copies of all documentation to do with all tasks; this may form part of your portfolio.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction to the module and to doctoral research.
2. Research Design. Originality.
3. Complexity Theory. Mixed Methods
4. Introduction to quantification (takes place in Resource Centre KGVI room 2.63)
5. Introduction to quantification (takes place in Resource Centre KGVI room 2.63)
6. Presentation of Research Design Flowcharts
7. Writing a Successful Thesis
8. Introduction to Academic Publishing
9. Presentation and Discussion of Draft Research Proposals
10. Presentation and Discussion of Draft Research Proposals
11. Drop in session at the ECLS PGR Student Conference

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts, approaches and techniques in applied linguistics and TESOL research
Understand strengths and limitations of individual research techniques and traditions
Demonstrate knowledge of the key elements of a thesis research proposal and research presentation in the field of applied linguistics and TESOL.
Demonstrate subject area knowledge at an advanced level
Understand how to organise and write a thesis

Intended Skill Outcomes

Can identify relevant research foci in the area of applied linguistics and TESOL
Can design a doctoral research project and write a research proposal
Can deliver a conference/seminar presentation of own research project
Can critique and analyse the research of others

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Key concepts, principles, approaches, and techniques involved in applied linguistics and TESOL research will be introduced mainly through lectures. These sessions also allow participants to analyse published research, set as weekly Structured Guided Learning. Tutorials provide practical guidance on the proposal. Practicals are the conference presentations. The tasks allow students to draw links between theories and research practice.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A portfolio equivalent to a 3,500 word essay based on a) a research proposal b) a series of written tasks which engage with published pieces of research in applied linguistics and TESOL c) a conference presentation on their research.
End semester 2 - 100%

Writing tasks on a published piece of research in applied linguistic and TESOL encourages students to draw links between theories and practice. Writing a research proposal allows students to demonstrate their understanding of research conventions and key elements involved in carrying out a full-scale research project. The conference presentation shows their ability to present their research to an audience and answer questions

General Notes

N/A