The aim of the YAPE is to give students the opportunity to carry out independent academic research into a cultural, literary, linguistic or area studies topic of interest to them.

(LO1) In completing their YAPE, students will have demonstrated the ability to utilise a variety of bibliographical tools to locate a range of primary and secondary sources on which to base a research project.

(LO2) Construct, focus and structure an independent project, in discussion with a personal supervisor working in that subject area.

(LO3) Produce a written text, following scholarly conventions of referencing and bibliography.

(LO4) Analyse source materials, and develop coherent and original arguments on the basis of their research.

(LO5) Engage critically with relevant cultural, literary, linguistic, area studies and / or theoretical debates on the topic.

(LO6) Organise the material gathered in the course of their research.

(LO7) Manage their time effectively and efficiently and plan a process of research, reading and writing over a period of about 7 months.

(LO8) Conduct independent research.

(LO9) Present a coherent argument in clear written prose.

(S1) Global citizenship - Cultural awareness

(S2) Global citizenship - Relevant economic/political understanding

(S3) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice

(S4) Time and project management - Project planning

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

Teaching Method 1 - Work Placement
Description: Students are required to produce a 5,000 word (plus/minus 10%) Year Abroad Project Essay (YAPE) written in the target language. The YAPE is an independent piece in which students are expected to take the initiative in planning, researching and writing. Students are supervised by a member of staff from their subject area at the UoL. At three prescribed stages of the academic year, students submit work to their supervisor on which they receive feedback. They are also entitled to a fourth piece of feedback on a draft section of their YAPE of up to 1,000 words. Further details are provided in the Year Abroad Handbook: Guide to Assessment.

In their YAPE students are supposed to draw on and extend the skills and knowledge of relevant cultural, literary, linguistic or areas studies and theoretical debates and issues they have acquired at levels four and five. Further details of the format of the YAPE are provided in the Code of Practice on the Year Abroad Project Essay.