Research Methodology: Literary Studies

3 ECTS credits
90 h study time

Offer 2 with catalog number 4021389DNW for working students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (D) Master - preliminary level.

Semester

1st and 2nd semester

Enrollment based on exam contract

Impossible

Grading method

Grading (scale from 0 to 20)

Can retake in second session

Yes

Enrollment Requirements

Voor dit studiedeel geldt als corequisite het studiedeel 'masterproef taal- en letterkunde'. LET OP: Inschrijven voor deze aanbieding is daarnaast enkel mogelijk voor studenten die als werkstudent geregistreerd staan of die geregistreerd staan met een toelating om de specifieke lessen voor werkstudenten te volgen. Gewone studenten kunnen niet inschrijven voor de lessen behorend bij deze aanbieding, zij kunnen enkel lessen volgen van aanbiedingen waarvan het studiegidsnummer eindigt op een R. Bij vragen of problemen, neem contact op met het Studenten Administratie Centrum via SAC@vub.ac.be.

Taught in

English

Faculty

Faculty of Languages & Humanities

Department

Linguistics and Literary Studies

Educational team

Janna Aerts (course titular)

Activities and contact hours

20 contact hours Lecture
6 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
28 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study

Course Content

This course supports students in the development of their MA paper. It offers tools for conducting research in the fields of literary studies and intermediality studies, and provides opportunities for discussing the student’s own research topic and process with fellow students, lecturers and other researchers. In contrast to the courses on research methodology in the bachelor’s programme, the emphasis is more on autonomy and self-reflection. Students gain insight into how research in literary studies and intermediality studies is conducted and are stimulated to develop a personal view on a chosen subject.

Course material

Digital course material (Required) : Research guide in literary studies, PowerPoint presentations, videos, rules and regulations, information documents and evaluation forms., Canvas, Canvas
Handbook (Recommended) : Literary Theory and Criticism: An Introduction, An Introduction, Stevens A.H., 2de, Peterborough: Broadview Press, 9781554815371, 2015
Handbook (Recommended) : They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Graff G. and Birkenstein, 4de, Norton, New York, 9780393538700, 2018

Additional info

Lectures, practical workshops, written and oral assignments with collective, peer or self-evaluation, supplemented by individual feedback from the supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

General competentions

The student is able to develop a research topic into one (or more) concrete research question(s). They know the difference between a research topic, a research question and a hypothesis.
The student is able to find relevant sources in scientific databases, specialized libraries and archives (depending on the research). They can carry out targeted search queries in relation to their own research and know how to correctly refer to scholarly sources.
The student is able to conduct a literature review (state of the art) in a systematic way and is able to report on findings.
The student is able to a select an appropriate theoretical framework and to develop a method that allows the student to investigate the research question. The student is aware of various approaches and methodologies in literary studies and can reflect on his/her choice of methodology in a critical manner.
The student is capable of developing a written research proposal, also keeping in mind the correct way of referring to sources.
The student is capable of giving an academic presentation. They are able to present their research in a concise and clear manner for a broad audience.
The student knows the guidelines with respect to plagiarism, data management and scientific integrity, and applies these in a rigorous manner in all assignments.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
SELF Presentation determines 50% of the final mark.
SELF Paper determines 50% of the final mark.

Within the SELF Presentation category, the following assignments need to be completed:

ZELF presentatie with a relative weight of 50 which comprises 50% of the final mark.

Note: Presentation comprises 50% of the final mark

Within the SELF Paper category, the following assignments need to be completed:

ZELF paper with a relative weight of 50 which comprises 50% of the final mark.

Note: Research proposal and bibliography comprises 50% of the final mark

Additional info regarding evaluation

In case of lateness or unwarranted absence, the student will obtain zero for the assignment in question.

In case the student fails the course, they must retake the assignments for which they did not pass.

The same tasks, deadlines and evaluation method apply to all students.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark

The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context