Module THEO1961: Research Workshop in Theology and Religion

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO1961: Research Workshop in Theology and Religion

Prerequisites

• • None

Corequisites

• • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• • None

Aims

• To introduce students to selected important research and other academic skills necessary for success in the Theology and Religion Department, including:
• developing skills as independent researchers;
• developing critical thinking and intellectual independence;
• planning and structuring written academic projects;
• developing relevant writing skills; and
• learning how to find and properly use and cite relevant academic sources for research and avoid plagiarism.

Content

• Beyond introducing students to the skills listed above, the module also has students produce research projects in two of the different subject areas taught within the Department. The content will vary depending on the strands of the module that are offered in a given year.

Learning Outcomes

• The subject-specific knowledge students will develop in this module will depend on which of the strands they enroll in. Each strand will focus on a different research topic relevant to one of the different subject areas taught with the Theology and Religion Department, and each student will take two strands, one in each of the first two terms of the academic year. As a result, the subject-specific knowledge will vary depending on which strands are offered in a given year.

• Skills in research, writing, and critical thinking relevant to subject areas taught within the Department.
• Research skills in particular are emphasized, and students receive support in various settings to learn how to become independent researchers.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Skills in presenting information through presentations.

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

• Plenary meetings with the entire module will introduce students to academic skills involving research and writing that are broadly applicable for their academic programmes.
• Strand meetings will introduce students to important aspects of subject-specific skills and prepare them to write specific academic assignments due over the course of the module.
• Summative research essays and other writing assignments will develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information and the making of reflective judgements in written form.
• Individual meetings with teaching staff will allow for very specific verbal feedback on assignments accompanied by academic advice for improvement, and will help students prepare for their final summative assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University