Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Postgraduate Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module MELA44615: Research Skills for Translation Studies

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures

MELA44615: Research Skills for Translation Studies

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Tied 4 15 Available in 2012/2013 None. Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with rigorous introduction to the essential research skills required in the first instance for the successful completion of an MA programme and, in the second instance, for future research at doctoral and postdoctoral level.

Content

  • The module will consist of seminars on the following issues:
  • Using on-line and printed bibliographies to conduct literature searches.
  • Presenting bibliographies according to specified citation conventions.
  • Completing research proposals in a format typically required by funding bodies (i.e. using the headings 'Aims and Objectives', 'Research Questions', 'Research Context' and 'Methodology').
  • Preparing and delivering conference papers, including speaking, body-language, eye-contact, the preparation and use of visual aids, and approaches to dealing with hostile post-paper questioning.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • Students will have acquired knowledge of research methodologies relevant for those working in modern languages, literary and cultural studies and translation studies.
Subject-specific Skills
  • Students will have acquired a range of skills specific to carrying out research in modern languages, literary and cultural studies and translation studies, including bibliographic research, bibliographic conventions and academic writing skills.
Key Skills
  • Students will have acquired a range of broad research skills including the writing of research proposals; the design and delivery of conference presentations; academic writing skills and the compiling of research bibliographies..

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Students willl follow a series of seminars aimed at giving detailed, practical and, subject specific advice concerning information retrieval and literature searches., the preparation of bibliographies, the completion of research grant applications, and the preparation and presentation of conference papers.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Seminars 9 Fortnightly 2 hours 18 Yes
Student Preparation and Reading 132
Total 150

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Bibliography and Literature Review 40% Bibliography & Literature Review 1000-words including titles 100% Yes
Research Proposal 20% Research Proposal 500 words 100% Yes
Conference Presentation 40% Presentation 15 minutes, with a maximum of 15 power point slides 100% Yes

Formative Assessment

Feedback will be given on early drafts of the bibliography and funding application


Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.