MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE MODULE DETAILS Module title Module code Credit value Level Mark the box to the right of the appropriate level with an ‘X’

Dissertation (MA English language) LQM28 60 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 0 (for modules at foundation level)

Level 7

X Level 8

Entry criteria for registration on this module Pre-requisites Completion of LQM26 Specify in terms of module codes or equivalent Co-requisite modules None Specify in terms of module codes or equivalent Module delivery Mode of delivery

Taught Other

Pattern of delivery

Weekly

When module is delivered Brief description of module content and/ or aims Overview (max 80 words)

Distance Supervision Block

Placement

Other

Online

As applicable

Semester 1 Semester 2 Throughout year Other Throughout semester 3 (summer period) The dissertation is the culmination of the degree experience. It is a self-managed, independent piece of work developed under the guidance of a supervisor. The dissertation allows each student to address an issue drawn from taught modules. Students work on a disciplinary specialism whilst drawing on the experience of having already investigated a number of areas of inquiry and having gained critical insights provided by the course. The completion of the dissertation involves a critical investigation of a research topic using research methods appropriate to the field, and showing evidence of a clear and coherent argument based on critical understanding and evaluation of research literature.

Module team/ author/ coordinator(s)

Dr Jelena Timotijevic

School Site/ campus where delivered

Humanities Falmer

Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

Course

Status (mandatory/ compulsory/ optional) Mandatory

MA English language

MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT Aims

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for M level study. • • •

Learning outcomes

To enable students to engage in an independent research study involving critical examination of a research problem To develop an understanding of and apply research methods appropriate to the field of English Language To produce an extended piece of work which will reflect knowledge and skills acquired through M level study, and will represent a coherent and original contribution to academic debate in English language

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for M level study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an ability to identify an appropriate research question supported by a clearly focused rationale 2. Demonstrate a detailed and thorough understanding and critical knowledge of research literature in the field of English language 3. Demonstrate an understanding of and apply to apply research methods appropriate to the field of English language, and to a level that corresponds with the requirements of a M level programme 4. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate ethical and methodological considerations if undertaking a qualitative or quantitative piece of research 5. Show an ability to develop a clear, coherent and sound argument based on critical understanding and evaluation of research literature in the field English language, its gaps, weaknesses and contradictions 6. Draw a well-argued and justified independent conclusion from the research undertaken, whilst remaining sensitive to the limitations of a research project 7. Identify areas for further research

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

Content

The dissertation represents the culmination of a student’s academic achievement in the area of English Language. Students will have an opportunity to develop individual research and investigative skills in the chosen area, with a particular focus on critical debate, analysis and evaluation of literature and language data. Students’ dissertation topics can be drawn from the issues covered in the modules in the previous two semesters, specific to their particular choice of the MA programme.

Learning support

Below is an indicative list of sources relevant to the research methods in the field of English language. Individual students’ support will be determined by the individual research requirements of the student. Books: Aronoff, M. & J. Rees-Miller. (2002) The Handbook of Linguistics. Oxford: Blackwell. Bryman, A. (2001) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Litosseliti, L. (2009) Research Methods in Linguistics. London: Continuum. Rasinger, S.M. (2008) Quantitative Research in Linguistics: An Introduction. London: Continuum. Wray, A. (2006) Projects in linguistics: a practical guide to researching language. 2nd ed. London: Hodder Arnold. Electronic Sources: http://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/resources.html.

Teaching and learning activities Details of teaching and learning activities

The dissertation is an independent research project specifically supported by the Research methods in semester two. It is also supported and informed by knowledge, theory and skills focused on in other taught modules. Students also benefit from individual tutorial supervision during the period of completion of the dissertation.

Allocation of study hours (indicative) Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

Study hours

SCHEDULED

This is an indication of the number of hours students can expect to spend in scheduled teaching activities including lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops, supervised time in workshops/ studios, fieldwork, external visits, and work-based learning.

30

GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY

All students are expected to undertake guided independent study which includes wider reading/ practice, follow-up work, the completion of assessment tasks, and revisions.

570

PLACEMENT

The placement is a specific type of learning away from the University that is not work-based learning or a year abroad. TOTAL STUDY HOURS 600

Assessment tasks

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

Details of assessment for this module

Assessment will be in the context of the University of Brighton Assessment Policy and the Faculty Code of Practice in Assessment, and students will be required to complete the following tasks: Task 1 (Weighting – 100%) 15,000 – 18,000 word dissertation relevant to the degree MA English Language The task will be marked on percentage basis. The module pass mark is 50%. Referral task: Reworking of original task General criteria for assessment are framed by the SEEC descriptors for M level. Against specific criteria, credit will be awarded for: 1. An identification of an appropriate research question supported by a clearly focused rationale (LO1) 2. In-depth understanding and critical knowledge of research literature in the field of English language (LO2) 3. Application of research methods appropriate to the field of English language and to a level that corresponds with the requirements of a M level programme (LO3, LO4) 4. Evidence of a clear, coherent and sound argument based on critical understanding and evaluation of research literature in the field of English language, its gaps, weaknesses and contradictions (LO5) 5. Evidence of a well-argued and justified independent conclusion from the research undertaken, indicating limitations of a research project (LO6) 6. Based on the above, an identification of areas and strategies for further research (LO7) All learning outcomes must be achieved in order to pass the module at the threshold level.

Types of assessment task1 % Indicative list of summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit weighting or which are required for progression. (or indicate if component is pass/fail) WRITTEN

Written exam

COURSEWORK

Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project output, set exercise

1

100%

Set exercises, which assess the application of knowledge or analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills, are included under the type of assessment most appropriate to the particular task. Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

PRACTICAL

Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment, set exercise

EXAMINATION INFORMATION Area examination board

PG Programme Linguistics and English language

Refer to Faculty Office for guidance in completing the following sections External examiners Name

Position and institution

Date appointed

Date tenure ends

Prof. Daniel Kadar

Professor of Linguistics and English language

1st Jan. 2015

31st Dec. 2018

QUALITY ASSURANCE Date of first approval 2009 Only complete where this is not the first version Date of last revision 2009 ‘Q&S published August Only complete where this 2016’ is not the first version Date of approval for this version Version number

2

Modules replaced Specify codes of modules for which this is a replacement

n/a

Available as free-standing module?

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012

Yes

No

X