Module overview
This module involves an in-depth study of a particular area in the History, Culture or Linguistics of the German, French, Spanish or Portuguese speaking world drawing from the resources available from the list of final year GERM, SPAN, FREN and POR modules being delivered in Southampton.
Subject areas are chosen in collaboration with the module coordinators of the relevant GERM, PORT, SPAN, FREN modules and the MLang Coordinator. The focus of the study is negotiated between the student and the module coordinator and recorded on the student’s module selection form by the end of week 3. This module provides students on MLang Spanish, Portuguese, French and German programmes with a highly supervised “bite” of research on a topic of their choosing within the scope of the modules available on the particular programme and with access to the full of resources which are available to students studying those modules face to face.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- plan and organise your learning through self management
- use ICT to produce documents and other material using a computer, primarily through word processing but, where appropriate, using other software
- set and monitor goals, reflecting on your own learning and learning from feedback
- exercise independence and initiative particularly during the period abroad
- produce writing in appropriate genres and to required conventions, including referencing and identification
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- plan and manage an extended period of residence abroad in one country
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- research which is at the forefront in your chosen field and how to critically engage with the latest thinking
- significant and sometimes competing methodologies within the context of the languages and related studies curriculum.
- one or more aspects of the cultures, linguistic contexts, history, politics, geography, economic structures of a country(ies) region(s) of the world other than your own
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- identify concepts and data relevant to the task in hand
- define, present and exemplify concepts in the languages and related studies area
- engage with subject matter in both breadth and depth
- plan and carry out a focused research project drawing on the latest research and thinking in the area
- critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the field and formulate and clarify critical questions
Syllabus
This module involves the supervision of students in individual online sessions leading towards the formal submission of the piece of independent study at the end of the second semester.
You will have a bank of 12 hours of supervision time, the use of which you will negotiate with the module coordinator. It is anticipated that the time will be shared between email contact and skype sessions and the precise nature of those sessions should be established in consultation with the module coordinator.
It is suggested that the first 6 hours should be used in conjunction with the prescribed readings in order to establish that you have a clear understanding of the central themes and the main views and arguments which are relevant for your independent study. The second set of 6 hours can be used for close supervision of the proposed area of study.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- online support from the module coordinator
- on line group discussion (where student numbers permit)
Learning activities include
- individual research
- use of local resources
- completion of the independent study assignment
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 12 |
| Independent Study | 100 |
| Wider reading or practice | 88 |
| Completion of assessment task | 100 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Blackboard. Relevant resources will vary according to your precise area of study and selected resources from the SPAN, GERM, FREN and PORT modules will be made available through Blackboard or as e-texts through the Hartley library.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Extended Essay | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Extended Essay | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Extended Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External