SHORT DISSERTATION (OPTIONAL) - 2021/2

Module Overview

This is a FHEQ Level 6 module for Modern Languages students. It can be taken in either Autumn or Spring semester,
with contact hours arranged individually between student and supervisor. It allows students to undertake a research
project in the language in which they are not writing a dissertation.

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

MARLEY Dawn (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Content will be determined by the student, in collaboration with a supervisor. Students will select an area of research,
related to the language in which they are writing. They will then develop the project in an appropriate way, either as an
empirical or theoretical piece of research.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
• Knowledge and understanding of the use of the target language;
• Ability to develop and defend a sound argument;
• Ability to select and synthesize information from written and oral texts;
• Ability to take notes effectively and use IT skills to find and present relevant information;
• Subject-specific knowledge of a specific area of their studies.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• Abstract, chapter outline and literature review (1000 words)
• 4,000 word project
• This enables the student to demonstrate their research skills, ability to write accurate academic French, ability to
present written work professionally, and depth of understanding and knowledge of their subject. Formative assessment
Formative assessment will take place during supervision sessions, when supervisors will give guidance on how to
improve drafts of work.
Feedback
Supervisors will give written and verbal feedback on interim submissions during the supervision meetings

Module aims

• Give students the opportunity to pursue a specific interest in depth in one target language
• Develop skills in independent research, analysis, critical thinking, writing and guided independent study
• Develop skills in time management

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
• Enable students to deepen explicit knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers through
reading in the target language;
• Encourage learner autonomy through undertaking an individual research project;
• Develop research skills through reading and presenting findings in the dissertation;
• Enable students to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking, to analyse and interpret texts and other cultural
products through individual research.
• Acquire an in-depth knowledge of the subject under investigation.
The learning and teaching methods include:
• Four scheduled meetings with a supervisor, where the student can seek advice and guidance, and discuss ideas and
plans to take the project forward.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: LAN3004

Other information

Reading will differ for every student, and specific and detailed reading will be discussed with supervisors.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.