To facilitate research into the literary work of a specific author and/or a specialist topic within the field of English studies. By using a research seminar format rather than individual supervision, the module offers an experience of collaborative research in which students will work closely with an academic specialist and with other members of the seminar group. The module also encourages students to explore questions of the public value of research in English studies and, in the final assessed work, to develop a public engagement project based on their own research. In this way, the module is intended to provide students with training in the communication of academic research to non-academic audiences.

(LO1) Students will formulate and complete a research project incorporating both individual and collaborative research methods.

(LO2) Students will develop detailed knowledge of a specific area of English studies, including the identification of relevant primary and secondary sources as appropriate to the area of study.

(LO3) Students will acquire skills of presenting academic research to public audiences beyond the academy, including awareness of relevant media and contexts of public engagement.

(S1) Students will gain critical reading skills.

(S2) Students will learn individual and collaborative research methods.

(S3) Students will learn communication and teamwork skills.

(S4) Students will learn writing for public audiences.

Topics covered will be based on the research specialisms of academic staff teaching on the module. As a result, the syllabus and reading list will vary between groups and will be appropriate to the author or topic under discussion. Individual tutors will be expected to provide students with an initial list of primary texts and suggestions for further reading and research. Given the research-based nature of the module, however, it is also expected that students will pursue further reading and explore additional resources available through the university library and/or other sources as appropriate. Students will be required to complete independent reading in preparation for seminars and, at appropriate points in the module, to present the results of their own research to the group.

Self-directed learning hours in the early weeks of the module will be spent on reading of required primary and secondary texts, supplemented by additional readings suggested by the seminar leader and discovered through the student’s own research. In the middle weeks of the semester, the focus of these hours will shift toward the development of a group research project in preparation for the group presentation (see assessment, above). In the final 4-6 weeks of the semester, self-directed learning will involve a combination of continued research into the author/topic and the preparation of the assessed project. It is expected that this preparation would usually include study of existing public engagement projects and methods in addition to academic research into the author/topic itself. Delivery will be F2F or online, as appropriate.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and w here technology affords a better learning experience.