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AMST40480

Academic Year 2024/2025

Research Skills Seminar (AMST40480)

Subject:
American Studies
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Centre For American Studies
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Eugenio Lilli
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to provide Master and new PhD students with the skills essential to the preparation and production of a substantial piece of independent research (ie a postgraduate thesis).
The module will introduce the student to key aspects of the preparation of a thesis. This will include advice on how to identify a suitable topic, frame an effective research question/thesis statement/hypothesis, make good use of reliable sources, answer key methodological questions, learn about academic writing and integrity, and so on.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will have developed skills that will allow them to produce a substantial piece of independent research at the postgraduate level.

Indicative Module Content:

- topic selection;
- research question/thesis statement/hypothesis development;
- literature review;
- methodology;
- academic writing;
- academic integrity

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

24

Autonomous Student Learning

176

Total

200


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a self-directed and self-assessed module delivered online.
It contains a wealth of resources for the student to acquire and practice research skills essential to the preparation and production of a postgraduate thesis.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): This is a self-assessed module. Students will be required to confirm that they have successfully completed all the activities included in the module. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14, Week 15 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
100
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback individually to students, post-assessment and throughout the duration of the module.

The complete reading list will be presented at the beginning of the module. The vast majority of the readings will be made available through Brightspace.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 15:00 - 16:50