LS3DI-Dissertation

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: LS1SG Sounds, Grammar and Meaning and LS1ELS English Language and Society
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LS3PCP Professional Communication Project
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Rodney Jones
Email: r.h.jones@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to build on the achievements Part 2, and to provide students with an understanding of how to engage in an extended piece of original research, with an opportunity to explore further an area of their own interest, and a broader appreciation of the procedures involved in the development of knowledge.

Aims:

This module aims to build on the achievements at Part 2, and to provide students with an understanding of how to engage in an extended piece of original research, with an opportunity to explore further an area of their own interest, and a broader appreciation of the procedures involved in the development of knowledge.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• identify and explain the main stages in the development of an original idea into a formulated piece of linguistic research;


• locate and assemble sources of information on suitable topics for research; 


• collect and analyse original data;


• appraise critically the evidence for different views and approaches on the selected topic, and to generalise from this to other topics;


• organise their knowledge and articulate their arguments effectively in an extended piece of writing.

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills through one-to-one supervision sessions. Students will develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and the creation, development and management of databases, and the use of computer resources for presentation of their dissertation, and their numeracy by quantitative treatment of empirical evidence, where applicable.

Outline content:

Workshops will cover data collection procedures, conducting a literature review, issues of interpretation of language data, ethical considerations, especially the concept of informed consent, and formats for presentation. Supervision sessions vary in content detail, but provide guidance on the conduct of the research at all stages, on an individual basis, paying particular attention to the criteria of: originality and imagination in the selection and treatment of the topic; intelligent collection, organisation and use of the data; intelligent and critical use of secondary sources (books and articles); clear, reasoned argumentation and discussion; organisation and clarity of presentation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Individual supervision and formative assessment. Practical workshops in Part 3 Autumn and Spring terms.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	6
Project Supervision	3	3
Guided independent study:	187	191
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Dissertation project (9,700 - 10,300 words) including process documents (100%)

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive formative feedback on two Dissertation drafts.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination by dissertation to be submitted by 12 noon on the third Friday in August in the year the course is taken.

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: 12 December 2022