MA Modern Languages and Cultures / Course details

This unit will allow the student to complete a supervised research project in their chosen area of specialisation, supported by a programme of reading agreed with their supervisor. Using the research and conceptual skills developed in the taught units, students will identify a research problem in their area of specialism and then design and pursue an independent essay project in response to that problem.

The unit aims to:

• Introduce students to specialist knowledge in their chosen area of research specialisation

• Familiarise students with the state of the art in the scholarship relating to their chosen area of research specialisation

• Help students to develop a critical perspective on their chosen area of research specialisation

• Provide students with experience undertaking a pilot research project, applying skills and concepts encountered in the taught part of the programme.

Small-scale supervision (usually one-to-one) on a fortnightly basis, totalling six supervisory meetings. At the beginning of the unit and reviewed in advance of each supervisory meeting, students and supervisors will agree a programme of reading and of specific research tasks building towards the final research essay. Generic reading will normally be provided electronically and uploaded onto Blackboard. Where appropriate, sessions will be supported by the interactive features of the Manchester VLE.

be familiar with major critical and theoretical debates which inform research in their subject-area; ·

• be able to elaborate personal theoretical responses to subject-specific research questions;
• have obtained an interdisciplinary perspective on subject-specific topics;
• have developed a sophisticated critical vocabulary and a critical perspective on their own research.
•  demonstrate detailed knowledge and sophisticated understanding of a specific research topic in the language-based disciplines, including the existing scholarship in that field

•  build a coherent and cogent argument using relevant scholarly evidence
• be able to use theoretical concepts in empirical research
• apply relevant methodology to the analysis of the material under examination
•  apply sophisticated theoretical concepts to the material which informs research in their subject-area
•  undertake critical analysis using appropriate methodological tools

•  be able to conduct independent research in a chosen field of enquiry;
•  present the outcomes of that research in written form

•  be able to communicate ideas and sustain an argument, using relevant critical material, in discussion, and essays.
•  demonstrate advanced analytical skills and the ability to synthesise information.
•  demonstrate sophisticated oral and written communication skills.
•  manage time and prioritise tasks.
•  work on a number of tasks simultaneously and under time pressure.
•  exercise initiative and take personal responsibility.

Written feedback on essay- Summative

Written feedback on essay plan- Formative

Barry, Peter, Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1995; 2nd edn 2002)

Bennett, Andrew, and Nicholas Royle, An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory: Key Critical Concepts (Hemel Hempstead: Prentice Hall/Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1995)

Burke, Lucy, Tony Crowley and Alan Girvin, The Routledge Language and Cultural Theory Reader (London: Routledge, 2000)

Eagleton, Terry, Literary Theory: An Introduction (Oxford: Blackwell, 1983; subsequent eds 1996, 2008) Selden, Raman, A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory (Brighton: Harvester, 1985; subsequent edns 1989, 1993, 1997)