Year Abroad Research Project YARP

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Conduct research and write an extended piece of work in the target language

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• how to choose a viable and focused topic
• how to carry out linguistics, ethnographic or text based research
• how to make the most of local resources available to you
• how you have progressed since year 2 in your ability to work independently

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate originality of thought and approach which moves beyond a simple synthesis of secondary materials
• analyse/synthesise primary and secondary sources
• engage with critical debate through sustained argument over an extended piece of work

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• organise your material into a structured discussion and draw appropriate conclusions
• adopt a method of research appropriate to your topic
• adopt an analytical approach to your sources, drawing on skills acquired in years one and two

The YEAR Abroad Research Project is a 6000 word piece of independent academic writing which you complete in the target language during your residence abroad (or during the summer between your second and final year, in case of exemption from the Year Abroad or Contemporary European Studies with English). The You will begin research for your YARP with the writing of the Research proposal in semester 2 of year 2 as part of LANG 2010. The bulk of the research and writing will then be done during the year abroad.

Teaching and learning methods include

• preparation through second year module LANG 2010 Managing Research and Learning
• research and independent study
• E mail feedback from your supervisor at particular stages in the development of the YARP (revised proposal, chapter outlines and draft chapter or 10% of YARP)
• on-going access to Blackboard resources relating to the chosen research methodology

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.