Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | SMLM088 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Birgul Yilmaz (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
This module will prepare you for undertaking the most substantial piece of work of your MA. In the first part of the module you will learn to plan and design your research project, to collect data following research approaches and methods in intercultural communication, and critically analyse data. You will have the chance to conduct a small-scale pilot study that will help you refine your dissertation project. In the second part of this module, you will have the opportunity to research a topic of your own choosing and to produce a piece of independent research.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aims of this module are to help you:
- critically examine the available theories of intercultural communication enquiry with a view to a research enquiry;
- design an appropriate enquiry and select suitable methods for the enquiry and justify these in theoretical terms;
- carry out a small scale enquiry within the filed intercultural communication at Master’s level;
- interpret evidence and discuss its relevance to existing enquiry;
- develop a critical understanding of the ethical issues associated with intercultural communication enquiry;
- acquire communication skills that will allow you to present your research effectively.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Show a clear understanding of intercultural communication research and the ability to critically analyse problems and new insights.
- 2. Demonstrate a thorough comprehension of research methods applicable to your own study.
- 3. Apply knowledge in an innovative way, while also having practical experience with established research techniques in the field of intercultural communication.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Possess knowledge of key concepts and terminology necessary for evaluating current research and advanced scholarship in intercultural communication
- 5. Present a clearly structured, logically argued/presented and well written dissertation with a full scholarly apparatus appropriate to the field of intercultural communication
- 6. Produce a piece of original research that demonstrates attention to concepts, to detail, and to argument
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Demonstrate independent work that engages with core aspects of a higher degree course
- 8. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
- 9. Demonstrate the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary, it is envisioned that the schedule will cover the following topics:
In terms 1 and 2, a series of seminars and practical workshops will focus on research skills and research methodology, including ethical aspects in research. The following aspects will be addressed:
- Critical reading
- Searching and reviewing literature
- Finding a suitable topic and moving from topic to research questions
- Project design - Designing a small scale study
- Methods of data collection
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Communicating findings to different audiences
Also in term 2, individual supervisions will begin.
In term 3, individual supervisions will continue during the writing-up stage of the MA dissertation.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 560 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | 10 Lectures x 1 hour |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 20 | 10 Workshops x 2 hours |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | Individual supervision |
| Guided Independent Study | 130 | A variety of private study tasks directed by module tutors through online materials (in ELE). These tasks may include (with an indicative number of hours): carrying out of research enquiry, for example, gathering data, analysing data, writing dissertation |
| Guided Independent Study | 430 | Research and writing of dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 3000 words | 1-9 | Written formative feedback from supervisor |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | 12000 words | 1-9 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (12,000 words) | Resubmission of Dissertation (12,000 words) | 1-9 | Usually 6 weeks |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Chen, G. M. (2014). Intercultural communication competence: Theory, Measurement, and Application. John Wiley & Sons.
Cresswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.) (2017). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Sage Publications.
Dornyei, Z. (2007). Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research. Sage Publications.
Gillham, B. (2000). Developing a Questionnaire. London: Continuum.
Gillham, B. (2000). The Research Interview. London: Continuum.
Gillham, B. (2008). Observation Techniques. London: Continuum.
Grix, J. (2004). The Foundations of Research. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
Hammersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2019). Ethnography: Principles in practice. Routledge.
Heigham, J. and Croker, R. (2009). Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.
Kim, Y. Y. (2017). Handbook of Research Methods in Intercultural Communication. Routledge.
Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2015). InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. Sage Publications.
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2018). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Sage Publications.
Oetzel, J. G. (Ed.) (2017). Intercultural communication: A reader. Sage Publications.
Richards, K., Ross, S., & Seedhouse, P. (2012). Research Methods for Applied Language Studies. Routledge.
Silverman, D. (2010). Doing Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
Spencer-Oatey, H. (Ed.) (2012). Culturally speaking: Managing rapport through talk across cultures. Continuum.
Yin, R. (2014). Case Study Research. Sage. London: Sage.
The rest of the reading list will depend on the topic you have chosen and you will receive guidance from your supervisor on relevant readings.
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 12/04/2023 |
| Last revision date | 05/09/2023 |
