Independent Study in French/German/Spanish

Aims

Aims

The aim is to allow students to develop a detailed programme of study on a topic which, while falling within the broad areas of language and society taught by the Department is beyond what is available in the teaching programme on offer to them.

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• design a course of study in a chosen area of Linguistics
• demonstrate an ability to read critically some of the research which has previously been undertaken in that area
• Bring to bear their prior knowledge of Linguistics to:
  • understand the main theoretical issues that have been raised in the literature on that topic
  • demonstrate an ability to critique and to summarise previous scholarship on the area of study

To ensure access to relevant sources we recommend the student chooses a current news issue or social, political, cultural topic and analyses how it is portrayed and presented by the media (print, online, TV etc.). Alternative projects may be possible, subject to approval.

Note that only one Independent Study module is permitted in the degree.

The summative essay is to be written in the target language.

Registration procedure

Download a proposal form from the Department website when you register for this module. Students should make a detailed proposal of their plans, for discussion with a potential supervisor, giving information on:

• The content of the module project
• The rationale for the project
• An outline of the work that needs to be conducted, including a list of sources to be consulted
• A preliminary timetable for completion of the work

The proposal must be submitted to the Board of Studies at the latest by week 3 of the Autumn term in the year the ISM is to be taken. Permission will not be given to students to take this module unless the supervising member of staff and the approval committee see adequate evidence that the proposed work is realistic and feasible. (NOTE: until the project has been approved, students will be required to register for an alternative module.)

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students should have successfully completed:

• I-level modules in the relevant language

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

Eight hours spread over two terms (Spring and early Summer term).

Study programme

A total of approximately 200 hours of independent work is required.

Students are responsible for designing a course of study which will allow them to explore a topic area in depth. (Note that this course of study must be approved by the Board of Studies. See instructions on the ‘Aims’ tab.) Over the course of the module, the student and supervisor will meet regularly and there will be:

• short reports to be made to the supervisor
• discussion and feedback on the student's work.

Study materials

To be determined by the student and approved in consultation with the module tutor.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on formative work

You can expect feedback during discussion and presentation sessions as you develop your project.

Summative assessment and feedback

A 4000-word essay or project report in the target language

• Weight: 100%

Submission:

Week 5 of the Summer term

Feedback:

You will be allowed to see your project report with comments on it.