Module overview
The aims of this module are to further develop the research, study and time management skills you will need for a substantial independent research investigation.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- A specialist topic in applied linguistics/ English language teaching relevant to your personal interests and context
- Research methods and ethical issues relevant to the investigation of your topic
- Current empirical studies, policies and/or practices relevant to your topic
- Current theoretical approaches relevant to your chosen topic
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use information technology appropriately to support data collection and analysis
- Search literature effectively and develop and maintain a bibliographic database
- Manage a substantial independent project
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Conduct a systematic literature review
- Develop appropriate data collection and analysis procedures
- Formulate a research problem and design a manageable independent study to investigate it
- Reflect critically on the research process
Syllabus
This module provides you with support in identifying a topic and developing plans for your independent MA dissertation. The group activities of the module complement the individual supervision received from your dissertation tutor. You will further develop your library research and bibliographic skills and read in depth for your individual topic. You will develop a detailed plan for your dissertation project.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures on project development and research methods;
- Tutor led seminars on aspects of project design.
Learning activities include:
- Identifying your area of interest and formulating your research problem;
- Library and internet research and development of your own specialised bibliography;
- Developing and sharing specific fieldwork skills relevant to your project;
- Taking part in group evaluative discussions and acting as ‘critical friend’ to peers.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 24 |
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Dörnyei, Z. (2007). Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford University Press.
Bell, J (1999). Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers in education and social science. Open University Press.
Brown, J D and Rodgers, T S (2002). Doing Second Language Research. Oxford University Press.
Sarah J Tracy (2019). Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact ,. John Wiley & Sons.
Boréus, Kristina, and Göran Bergström (2017). Analyzing Text and Discourse: Eight Approaches for the Social Sciences .. Thousand Oaks CA: SAGE Publications.
Walliman, N (2001). Your Research Project: A step by step guide for the first-time researcher. SAGE Publications.
Richards, K (2003). Qualitative Inquiry in TESOL. Palgrave.
Mackey, A and Gass, S M (2005). Second Language Research: Methodology and design. Lawrence Erlbaum.
McDonough, J and McDonough, S (1997). Research Methods for English Language Teachers. Arnold.
Cohen, L, Manion, L and Morrison, K (2007). Research Methods in Education. Routledge.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback
- Discussion with tutors of draft annotated bibliography and dissertation proposals;
- Group discussion and feedback on research topic, fieldwork plans and draft instruments.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation proposal | 50% |
| Report | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation proposal | 50% |
| Report | 50% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 50% |
| Dissertation proposal | 50% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External