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 Development
Code ENGL785
Coordinator Dr WG Slocombe
English
W.Slocombe@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 30

Aims

This module aims to equip students with skills required to effectively communicate research. Moving beyond the processes of initial design, students will be encouraged to think about how their research can be received by audiences. Over the duration of the module, students will work with other students on the module, as well as individual supervisors, to explore different modes of presenting and structuring information that are relevant to both creative and critical projects. This involves thinking about uses of language and style, how to introduce and structure ideas and the ‘flow’ of writing, and how to incorporate secondary research into their projects. This culminates in trying to think about how their research might be received by different audiences, to consider matters of perspective as well as the importance of taking into account issues such as fan community and cultural contexts; equality, diversity, and inclusivity; and accessibility.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: produce written work that is alert to the importance of structure, order, and perspective.

(LO2) Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: communicate key concepts tailored to a specific format.

(LO3) Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: integrate existing knowledge effectively in their writing.

(LO4) Upon completion of this module, students will be able to: articulate advanced knowledge of a topic within 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 move a project beyond the design stage, to consider strategies for disseminating and structuring research, and is thus focused more on delivery than design. As with the introductory training module, this is tailored specifically to Science Fiction Studies. Individual supervisions allow opportunities for reflection and responses to individual requirements, whilst group sessions focus on outlining core skills and giving students the opportunity to reflect on how these ideas might resonate with their own research ideas. 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. [Online Group Workshop] – The Myriad Languages of SF Research: Tone, Style, Register

2. [Online Group Workshop] – Telling the Story through Structure: Ways to Communicate Ideas

3. Individual S upervision*

4. [Online Group Workshop] – Listening to Other Voices: Engaging with Secondary Sources

5. [Online Group Workshop] – Wearing Different Hats or Walking in Different Shoes: Remember your Readers!

6. Individual Supervision*

* 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
Final Project Structure (No Resit, Not Anonymous)         
Poster Pitch (Resit, Not Anonymous)    25       
Taster Article (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.