LSMPRO-Full dissertation proposal

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: j.v.laws@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The aims of this module are to help students formulate research questions, construct a methodology, suggest analyses and outline outcomes of their dissertation research. Through reflection and feedback, they will learn to design a viable and valid piece of research. They will learn the writing skills to produce a coherent research proposal.

Aims:
The aims of this module are to help students formulate research questions, construct a methodology, suggest analyses and outline outcomes of their dissertation research. Through reflection and feedback, they will learn to design a viable and valid piece of research. They will learn the writing skills to produce a coherent research proposal.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Outline the different types of research designs used and articulate the reasons why different designs are used to test different hypotheses;
• Identify and evaluate the various stages of the research process both from the perspective of a critical reader as well as a researcher;
• Organise and use this knowledge in the process of designing a research proposal providing justifications and rationales where appropriate.
• Identify and respond to the relevant ethical considerations, where appropriate, in their proposed research.

Additional outcomes:
In acquiring drafting skills, students will gain a broader understanding of how to conduct research in linguistics and applied linguistics,. An essential part of the process is the feedback provided by the lecturer at different stages in the writing of the proposal. Students will develop their bibliographic and IT skills through writing up the research proposal and will develop their academic writing skills. They will be provided with the knowledge to become critical consumers of the research literature.

Outline content:
The course focuses on broader issues surrounding research methods and design. Basic research methods and designs are reviewed and consideration is given to their applications across different contexts. Data collection, organisation and analysis, both qualitative and quantitative, are explored. Ethical issues in planning and conducting a research project are discussed. The entire research process from the development of a topic to writing the report is explored.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be 8 seminars totalling 10 hours over the 10 weeks. Students will bring and present drafts of their work for discussion with the lecturer and the other students.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Course work
Students will be required to submit a 2000-word research proposal on some aspect of linguistic or applied linguistic research by the last day of the Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 5 July 2019