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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: EDU3001 Module Title: EXTENDED ESSAY
Module Provider: English Short Name: XX01X
Level: HE3 Module Co-ordinator: LUNA I Ms (English)
Number of credits: 20 Number of ECTS credits: 10
 
Module Availability
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
Extended Essay
100%
Qualifying Condition(s)
 
Extended Essay (100% of total assessment)
 
5000 words

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to demonstrate the student’s ability to produce a critical/analytical piece of extended research on a chosen topic that demonstrates their academic and research skills. Although the Extended Essay is not necessarily based on primary research some familiarity with and reference to selected primary sources is desirable as a means of developing student’s evaluation skills.
 
As part of the formative learning students will produce a draft synopsis and bibliography of the intended Extended Essay, to be submitted to the student’s supervisor at an early stage in the module. This will enable the supervisor to assess the appropriateness of the topic, and the student’s organisation, before progressing further. The draft and the completed work should fulfil the learning outcomes of the module. The final assessment also allows students to reflect in detail on their own learning. This process will be assisted by the use of a learning diary that students will complete during the course of the module and submit together with the final version of the extended essay.

In order to achieve the threshold standard for the award of credits for this module, the student must meet the following criteria related to the learning outcomes:
  • Display accurate factual knowledge of the chosen topic.
  • Deploy relevant sources, evidence and interpretation of related scholarship.
  • Demonstrate some attempt at critical, analytical and contextual understanding of the issues addressed, although limitations in the depth and sophistication of this aspect may be apparent.
  • Demonstrate the ability to organise the material to produce a coherent structure.
  • Provide acknowledgement and referencing of the sources used.
Module Overview
This module provides an opportunity for students to undertake independent research, under supervision, into a topic of their choice. The subject chosen for special study, which in most cases is likely to reflect interest stimulated from within the themes studied during the programme, will be identified and approved in consultation with a supervisor. This module will test the development of the student’s academic and research skills acquired predominantly at level 2 and extended at level 3.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
60 credits at Level 2.
Module Aims
  • To provide students with the opportunity to research a topic of their choice.
  • To work independently on a suitable topic with guidance from an individual supervisor.
  • To develop and extend the academic potential and skill of the student.
  • To demonstrate the student’s ability to define a suitable research topic, organise the material, work on a draft and write up a final version.
  • To demonstrate reflective learning processes and the ability to evaluate the student’s own work and that of others.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the selected topic.
  • Demonstrate a good knowledge of scholarship in their chosen field of study.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of their chosen topic in an appropriate and wide-ranging cultural context.  
Cognitive / Intellectual Skills
  • Ability to evaluate and apply different approaches and methodologies.
  • Ability to critically analyse a range of source material.
  • Ability to research independently and competently with minimal supervision.  

Key/Transferable/Practical Skills

  • Ability to demonstrate appropriate analytical skills.
  • Ability to present material in the format requested with full academic apparatus, including bibliographies and appendices (where appropriate).
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage study time efficiently.
Module Content
The individual Extended Essay topic and hence the detailed subject content is chosen by the student. The module is designed to enable the student to develop and demonstrate skills in research and writing with minimal supervision. The individual subject should be based on the knowledge and skills that students have developed in their previous studies. The student should design appropriate questions to ask of their research material. The topic should have appropriate content for a project of this length and should be designed to demonstrate the student’s analytical, critical and evaluation skills.
The emphasis will be on self-directed learning, and although students will present a draft synopsis of their Extended Essay, most of the work will be undertaken on their own.
Methods of Teaching/Learning
3 x 2 hour sessions, plus seminars.

Students will attend a series of workshops/seminars where generic issues regarding research and academic skills required to meet the learning outcomes of the module will be addressed. Tutor-led debate and group discussion will ensure that students have the opportunity to raise questions and discuss such issues as: appropriate choice of topics, finding relevant sources material, referencing and methodologies for developing a clear and well-structured final assignment. Individual tutorial sessions with the personal supervisor will provide guidance to ensure that students choose an appropriate topic and approach it systematically and complete within the allotted timeframe.
Selected Texts/Journals
Recommended Reading
 
Blaxter, L. et al (1996) How to research, Buckingham, Open University.

Dunleavey (1986) Studying for a degree in the Humanities and Social Science Chapters 5-6.
 
Casey, F. (1993) How to study a practical guide, London.

Cryer, P. (1996) The research student’s guide to success, Buckingham, Open University.

McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2007) How to write dissertation and project reports, Pearson.

Murray, N. & Hughes, G. (2008) Writing Up your University Assignments & Research Projects: a practical handbook, OUP Study Skills

Newman, R. (1991) Study and research: a systematic approach for all students, Oxford Bookmarque.

Patton,M.Q. (2002) Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods, Sage.

Rowntree, D. (1998) Learn how to study: a guide for students of all ages, Waister.

Walliman, N. (2004) Your Undergraduate Dissertation: the essential guide for success, Sage.
Last Updated

11 September 2008