Module overview
Adventures in Literary Research will provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills you need to be a successful researcher and scholar in the field of literary studies. You will learn about the methodologies of theory and criticism, book history, textual editing, and archival research. The module will help you to define a distinctive approach to a literary research topic; differentiate between scholarly sources and evaluate the limits of a literary critical monograph; participate in the research culture of the department and the Faculty through research seminars; reflect on the material form and history of the book; acquire skills in effective scholarly presentation and referencing; and learn how to mobilise theoretical concepts and historical sources in the close literary analysis of texts. As well as providing excellent preparation for doctoral study, this module provides high-level transferable skills.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- strategies for the selection, development and management of a research project
- good practice in oral presentations in an academic setting
- good practice in academic writing
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- locate a range of research resources relevant to your field of study
- assess a book, journal or other research tool for its quality and relevance to your work
- respond constructively to peers’ work
- present information and arguments orally in formal and informal settings
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- offer constructive analysis of others’ arguments
- retrieve and assemble information from a variety of resources
- respond effectively to criticism
- Speak cogently and persuasively about work you have done
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- present findings orally in formal and informal settings
- write an abstract of an argument
- navigate print, archival and electronic research resources
- build a bibliography
Syllabus
Adventures in Literary Research is designed as a practical and theoretical introduction to the methods of conducting research in the disciplines of English. Lectures, workshops, oral presentations, and written assignments will enhance your knowledge of the contemporary research environment and provide direction and practice in the development of a substantial research project.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Exercises with prompt feedback
Learning activities include
- Self-assessment of research skills at start of module
- Development of a portfolio of research exercises and other relevant evidence of skills acquisition
- Oral presentation
- Group work
- Peer editing
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 46 |
| Fieldwork | 30 |
| Completion of assessment task | 200 |
| Seminar | 24 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Wayne Booth, Gregory Colom, and Joseph M. Williams (2003). The Craft of Research.
Jacques Derrida (1995). Archive Fever: A Freudian Impression.
Alice Crawford (ed.). The Meaning of the Library: A Cultural History.
Gina Wisker (2001). The Post-Graduate Research Handbook.
Gabriele Griffin (2005). Research Methods for English Studies.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Group presentation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Students receive oral feedback on their presentation both from peers and staff in class, as well as with staff by appointment. The comments received on the presentation will help students with their reports.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 50% |
| Written assignment | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External