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AMST40660

Academic Year 2023/2024

Research Skills and Methods 1 (AMST40660)

Subject:
American Studies
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Centre For American Studies
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Liam Kennedy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces students to methods and tools of academic and journalistic research. It develops associated skills such as sourcing and analysing information, the presentation of written and oral work, and interviewing. It will introduce students to theoretical concepts and the nature of interdisciplinary study. The module will also begin the process of guiding students on their dissertation ideas and planning, including identifying their topic, defining a suitable research question, choosing a method, and designing the research.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

The module will develop students’ abilities to produce interdisciplinary work, combining journalism, visual media and international affairs. It will also enable students to analyse media representations in a theoretically informed way, using cultural and visual theories to approach source material. Presentations, discussions and essay preparation will aid students in developing further skills in oral communication, the synthesis and evaluation of ideas and arguments, and develop capacity as a reflective practitioner. The module also provides opportunity for students to discuss their dissertation ideas.

Indicative Module Content:

• how to source and analyse information, including data
• techniques of interviewing
• writing skills
• ethical and legal issues, including data protection and freedom of information
• theoretical concepts - such as hybrid media, media logics, framing, agenda setting and indexing

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Autonomous Student Learning

88
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is seminar based with students expected to undertaken weekly syllabus readings and scheduled exercises that are the focus of class discussions. Each student will make presentations on their dissertation ideas and plans.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Essay: 2500 word essay on a methodological or theoretical issue. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No
75
 No
Presentation: 15 minute presentation on dissertation ideas and plans Unspecified n/a Graded No
25
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be available to students on draft materials being prepared for assessment. Following assessment students will individually be offered feedback.

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