Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Project Design
Code ENGL784
Coordinator Dr WG Slocombe
English
W.Slocombe@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

The aim of this module is to prepare students for Masters-level research in the field of science fiction, considering issues specific to the study of the field as well as understanding broader underpinning areas relevant to all research. Over the duration of the module, students will learn how science fiction research ‘looks’ today, considering some cutting-edge research in the field, as well as learning about how they can start to emulate that research, and the challenges they might face. As such, the module covers issues such as: what ‘good’ research looks like, appropriate specialist library and information resources, and academic integrity & ethics. Working in online groups and with an assigned supervisor, they will examine how these topics relate to their own proposed research areas, and learn to inflect them towards either creative or critical work, depending upon their proposed topic. Students will thus get the opportunity to understand how the same issues can affect all research, with presentations from staff and current PhD students, and understand that they are becoming part of a research community by undertaking a research project of this scope. The module therefore provides students with support towards developing their own research career whilst also introducing them to relevant issues in the research design process, and thus gain important transferable skills about the broad principles of research design.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: apply an understanding of the core principles of research design.

(LO2) Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: design a project that makes effective use of research resources.

(LO3) Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: synthesise existing knowledge relevant to a specified topic in the field of science fiction.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills (Written)

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills (Oral)

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S5) Information skills - Critical reading

(S6) Research skills - All Information skills

(S7) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (word processing, databases, spreadsheets etc)

(S8) Time and project management - Project planning


Syllabus

 

This module introduces students to the key principles and ideas necessary to effective project design, tailored specifically to those involved in Science Fiction Studies. Individual supervisions allow opportunities for reflection and responses to individual requirements, whilst group sessions focus on outlining core skills and encouraging students to see themselves as part of a global ‘science fiction research community’. The intended syllabus is taught in alternate weeks over one semester with individual supervisions lasting approximately an hour, and group sessions lasting two hours:

1. Individual Supervision*

2. [Online Group Workshop] – What does it mean to work ‘in’ science fiction? An introduction to published sf, sf research, different types of project, and ‘topic clusters’

3. [Online Group Workshop] – What resources are available to help with research? An introduction to the library / research skills

4. [Online Group Workshop] – What is good academic practice? An introduction to ethics and academic integrity

5. Individual Supervision*

6. [Online Group Workshop] – What challenges and opportunities might I face? A presentation by staff / PGR students on their current research

* online or on-campus (depending upon the study mode chosen by the student)


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching method: Group Workshop

Description: Group session, taught online, with breakout rooms for work in smaller groups, as necessary.

Scheduled directed student hours: 8

Unscheduled directed student hours: -

Attendance recorded: Yes

Teaching method: Individual Supervision

Description: Individual meeting with academic member of staff about progress on the module, and opportunities for discussion. Online or on-campus, depending upon mode of study.

Scheduled directed student hours: -

Unscheduled directed student hours: 2

Attendance recorded: No

Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used:

Self-directed hours will be used on research, workshop and supervision preparation, and work on the assessments, with students also reflecting on how the topics covered relate to their own intended Research Project. There are large number of unsupervised hours, although this is normal considering the nature of individ ual research, but students will be provided with self-questionnaire sheets and opportunities to synchronously or asynchronously engage with peers on the module via online platforms.

Note: Due to potential time-zone differences, students from different geographical locations may require alternative timetabling arrangements. That is, sessions on this module may be 'double taught', depending upon cohort.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           2

8

10
Timetable (if known)           60 mins X 1 totaling 2
120 mins X 1 totaling 8
 
 
Private Study 290
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Mind Map (No Resit, Not Anonymous)         
Project Plan (Resit, Not Anonymous)    25       
Annotated Bibliography (Resit, Not Anonymous)    75       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.