Unit information: Independent Study 1 in 2009/10

Unit name	Independent Study 1
Unit code	MODL30008
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Forman
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Modern Languages
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

Students undertake supervised private research to produce a project of approximately 8,000 words on a particular aspect of their studies. The project may develop and analyse a chosen theme related to a second-year unit or their year-abroad work, or may coincide with staff interests. Where the project is related to a taught course, the student must develop the area beyond coverage in the taught unit. The student must not duplicate work required for this or any other assessed unit in their Bristol programme of study.

The student may not take more than one final-year independent study unit in the same language department. The bulk of the supervision will occur during the First Teaching Block, but the submission deadline will be the end of teaching in the Second Teaching Block (before the exams period).

Aims:

• to identify a viable area of independent study with a clear rationale and focus;

• to develop methods and materials by which to broaden the student's knowledge of the field and deepen understanding of research methods and of relevant disciplines;

• to facilitate students' engagement with a body of material, including primary or secondary literature, texts, including in non-print media, other sources and ideas as a basis for their own analysis and development. Normally many or most of these sources will be in a language other than English and will enhance the development of linguistic skills;

• to develop skills of analysis and synthesis beyond the level achieved in Part I and in more conventionally taught final-year seminar-based options;

• to produce a coherent piece of researched scholarship.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful students will:

• be knowledgeable about a significant cultural, historical or linguistic subject related to the language they are studying;

• will have advanced skills in the selection and synthesis of relevant material;

• be able to evaluate and analyse relevant material from a significant body of source materials, usually in a foreign language, at an advanced level;

• be able to respond to questions or problems by presenting their independent judgements in an appropriate style and at an advanced level of complexity;

• be able to transfer these skills to other working environments, including postgraduate study.

Teaching Information

A preliminary meeting with the designated supervisor to agree and define the area of subject and set a timetabled agenda.

Three or more classes (for all students enrolled for Independent Study units in the SML) to present common approaches to planning, researching and presenting a long dissertation.

Four consultations (60-90 minutes) with the supervisor. One of these might be held over to the early summer term by agreement with student and supervisor (if available in TB2).

Assessment Information

A dissertation of approximately 8,000 words.

Reading and References

None - this will be determined by the choice of subject on advice from the supervisor.