SHORT DISSERTATION (OPTIONAL) - 2025/6

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 4000-word research project in one of their target languages.

Module provider

Literature & Languages

Module Leader

ARCHER Leona (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 2

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 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:

• 4,000 word dissertation (100%)
This enables the student to demonstrate their research skills, ability to produce accurate academic writing in target language, 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

• The module aims to: 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, in order to analyse and interpret texts and other cultural products through individual research
* acquire an in-depth knowledge of the subject under investigation
* build upon analytical skills developed at Levels 5 and PTY to examine critically primary and/or secondary research

 

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.

Surrey's Curriculum Framework is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas, though students may develop capabilities across all pillars depending on the nature of their individual research project:

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Global and Cultural Capabilities are central to this module, which is taken towards the end of a student’s degree in Modern Languages, and affords them the opportunity to build upon the cultural and linguistic competencies already developed by undertaking an independent, student-led research project. The Short Dissertation enables students to identify, analyse, and evaluate a research question related to the cultures, societies, and/or histories of the target language. Students develop subject-specific expertise in the area of their research question, building on knowledge acquired at Levels 4, 5, and PTY. A written project of this length enables students to develop further their fluency and accuracy in the target language, at an advanced level, with support from their supervisor.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: Students are supported to reflect on their prior learning journey to identify a suitable research topic, and are empowered to respond effectively to the opportunities, challenges and potential setbacks that can arise when undertaking a project of this length. Students are supported by their supervisors over the course of the Dissertation module, but a proactive and methodical approach to one’s work is essential to ensure successful completion, eventually building intellectual and professional self-confidence through successful completion.

Employability: Alongside acquiring expertise in their research topic, students develop highly transferable project management skills as a result of completing a dissertation in the target language. Students are required to manage their time effectively, identify a relevant research question and undertake independent research on their topic, followed by analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Time management also comprises the organisation of meetings with the supervisor, the onus of which is on students, empowering them to develop learner autonomy and adaptability. The module enables students to develop agile thinking and to communicate complex ideas in a sophisticated, formal, written register.

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 2025/6 academic year.