To introduce students to various theoretical frameworks for research in Modern Languages and other disciplines related to the analysis of discourse (textual, visual) and / or other kinds of cultural materials (digital, etc);

To encourage students to consider the range of theoretical and methodological approaches which he or she could adopt in approaching his or her individual research project;

To provide students with an awareness of the key theoretical issues central to cultural studies, and to develop in them an understanding of current methodologies.

(LO1) Students will show an understanding of recent theoretical trends in research appropriate to MA level in the fields of languages, literatures and cultures.

(LO2) Students will have acquired the ability to critically evaluate the use made by researchers of theory in framing research questions.

(LO3) Students will be able to critically evaluate the application of a theory or a methodology to a specific field of research in their language area.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - critical analysis

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - academic writing (including referencing skills)

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - presentation skills – oral

(S4) Global citizenship - cultural awareness

(S5) Global citizenship - ethical awareness

Seminar:
The module will be taught via weekly two-hour seminars and strategies employed will include presentations by teaching staff and students, group discussions, and small group work.

In individual sessions, the student will be encouraged to consider the range of theoretical and methodological approaches which he or she could adopt in approaching his or her individual research project. The Department of Modern Language and Cultures organises research seminars regularly throughout the academic year and engagement with these is compulsory for MRes students.

Self-Directed Learning: Building on material of the lectures, students do their own independent research and prepare and produce the assignments by which the module is assessed.

The theoretical frameworks presented in the module address an eclectic typology of discourses which may include categories such as text, audio-visual, digital, archive, memory, histories, feminism, etc.

The theoretical frameworks covered during the module may include:

Overviews of current tendencies of research in relevant disciplines;

Marxism; The Frankfurt School;

Structuralism / poststructuralism; histories and textuality; feminist theories; postcolonialism; cultural memory; political history;

Visual culture; digital culture; queer theories, etc;

Translation theory; sociolinguistics.