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: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Christiana Themistocleous
Email: c.themistocleous@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;Ìý


• collect and analyse original data;


• appraise critically the evidence for different views and approaches on the selected topic, and to gen eralise 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 collec tion, 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.