TR7P79 - Independent Research Project (2021/22)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2021/22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Independent Research Project | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 300 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assessment components |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Running in 2021/22(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
|
Module summary
This module involves critical reflection, research and academic writing, linking translation practice to theoretical notions drawn from the field of translation studies and related areas. The module also offers you the opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and awareness of current theoretical and methodological issues in the discipline.
You will produce an 8,000 – 10,000-word research project, which should communicate and evaluate the investigations undertaken in a clear, creative, and scholarly manner. The module runs with co-requisite TR7P78 (Independent Translation Project). This module aims to enable you to:
• formulate a relevant research proposal and complete a research project which includes an evaluative review of existing literature, and to examine critically key methodological issues in the field, through specific perspectives and/or interdisciplinary work in theory
• develop the skills necessary to plan and execute relevant research which deals with complex issues both systematically and creatively
• develop your ability to communicate your research ideas and outcomes clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences in an appropriate written register and form
• develop self-confidence and the ability to work and learn independently and transferable skills which are required for continuing professional development.
If there are no sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the school reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the School cancels a module it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative.
Prior learning requirements
TR7P78 Independent Translation Project (Co-requisite).
Syllabus
This is the eighth and final module of MA Translation and builds upon insights and knowledge previously gained during the academic year. Students are prepared for researching and writing their dissertations though a series of seminars which introduce them to the specific requirements of the module and develop relevant research skills (LO1). Students prepare and submit a research proposal and are allocated an individual supervisor after their proposal is discussed and approved (LO2). Students then agree a timetable with their supervisor and are asked to submit written drafts of their work prior to each supervisory meeting (Review of Literature, Research Methodology and Methods, Corpus Analysis and presentation of results and finally interpretation of results)(LO2, LO3, LO4).
Students are offered a one-hour feedback session on their research proposal and six hours of individual supervision to be arranged with their supervisor.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is delivered through a combination of seminars on translation theory, on research methods ad skills and individual supervisory sessions. A library research skills workshop is offered to the students and e-learning material is accessible via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Weblearn).
One to one session on the research proposal ensure that students receive continuous formative, while planning and developing their research.
A Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) is integrated into the project and comprises 5 separate pieces of formative/diagnostic student work (Annotated Bibliography, Project Proposal and Supervision Reports). The PDP is not assessed, but formative feedback is given on the first two pieces of work, which are submitted in February and March respectively. This timing allows for the staged development of the Portfolio and of the research project.
In addition to classroom- based activities and the one- to one- sessions described above, students are expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed, independent study including via the discussion board on Weblearn.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of current theoretical and methodological approaches and produce a project which locates their research in the context of existing theoretical literature in translation studies
2. Design and undertake substantial investigations to address significant areas of translation theory and practice and reflect systematically and creatively on the interface between the two
3. Carry out the analysis of complex data, draw appropriate conclusions and effectively communicate the implications of their research within the time and word limits imposed
4. Act with initiative to implement and evaluate improvements to performance and independent learning.
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed 100% by summative coursework.
Two of the components of the PDP (the Annotated Bibliography and the Project Proposal Plan) provide opportunities for formative/diagnostic assessment and feedback, as do the six hours individual supervision tutorials. This formative/diagnostic assessment and feedback is staged in order to allow for ongoing development and enhanced learning over the course of the module