Independent Research
| Module title | Independent Research |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARA3196 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Billie Brownlee (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will be exposed to a variety of research methods and approaches that will be helpful in writing a Master’s dissertation. During the module, you will propose and develop your dissertation title. In addition, you will be asked to orient yourself to the major works relevant to your dissertation with guidance from module staff and your proposed dissertation supervisor. There are no prerequisites or co-requisites for this module. This module is suitable both for specialist and non-specialist students.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary research skills for conducting research at the Master’s level as well as to provide guidance in the initial stages of a dissertation in IAIS. After completing this module, you will have a well-defined research question and a good understanding of the major scholarly works in your chosen research area
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge of major theories and research approaches within the discipline of Middle East and Islamic Studies;
- 2. Analyse relevant scholarly material for a dissertation;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Show awareness and knowledge of major research methods, approaches, and skills necessary to conduct research;
- 4. Locate and situate your own research in disciplinary debates, controversies and developments;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Research and access relevant scholarly works using databases and electronic search tools;
- 6. Communicate complex ideas and arguments in writing; and
- 7. Analyse a range of public and scholarly debates.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Understanding what is a suitable research topic
- How to locate a suitable research topic
- Researching and writing a literature review
- Elements of a research proposal
- Deciding upon a methodology and approach
- Planning the dissertation and time management
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 295 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 5 | 5 hours of staff-led sessions teaching dissertation skills to students |
| Guided independent study | 280 | Researching and writing the research proposal and literature review |
| Guided independent study | 15 | Reading the assigned literature for staff-led sessions |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal outline | 1000 words | 1-2, 3-4 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal with literature review | 100 | 8000 words | 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 | Written |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal with literature review (8000 words) | Research proposal with literature review (8000 words) | 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 | January assessment period in the following year (as August/September submission) |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Atkinson, P. A. (et al.) (2007), Handbook of Ethnography, Sage
Brady, H. E. and Collier, D. (2004), Rethinking Social Inquiry: Diverse Tools, Shared Standards, Rowman and Littlefield
Burnham, P.,Gilland, K.,Grant, W.and Layton-Henry,Z.(2004), Research Methods in Politics, Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan
Burton, D.(ed) (2000), Research Training for Social Scientists, SAGE.
Creswell, J.W. (2008), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage
DiYanni, R. (2007), Writing about the Humanities (3rd ed.), Prentice Hall
Dunleavy, P. (2003), Authoring a PhD, Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan
King, G, Keohane, R.O.and Verba,S. (1994), Designing Social Inquiry, Princeton University Press.
Silverman, D. (ed) (2004), Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice, SAGE
Storey, W.K. (2008), Writing History. A Guide for Students (3rd ed.), Oxford University Press
Turabian, K. (1996), A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations, Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 24/02/2014 |
| Last revision date | 14/01/2020 |
