Introductory description

The module aims to introduce first year students on the Liberal Arts degree to the range of research methods employed in the Arts and Humanities and to offer them opportunities to practise using some of these methods in practical assignments.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Introduction to qualitative research methodologies
2. Fair use of sources: Citation and plagiarism
3. Does truth matter? Subjectivity, mediation and persuasive interpretation
4. Theoretical approaches
5. History: Archival methodologies
6. History: Using sources
7. Social research: Ethics
8. Social research: Designing and conducting interviews
9. Culture: Literary and visual methodologies
10. Culture: Cultural studies and ethnographic methodologies

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a good understanding of what constitutes sound scholarly practice, distinguish instances of plagiarism and correct them
• Search through a range of archival sources using a systematic and precise method, and evaluate the potential usefulness of these sources
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the process of planning and conducting an interview, and the implications of the decisions made by the researcher
• Identify the ethical factors that must be taken into consideration when undertaking data collection through interviewing, and follow departmental ethics policy
• Identify and engage with the various discourses embedded in a range of primary historical, social and cultural sources
• Demonstrate an understanding of methodologies used in analysing primary sources, including critical theory
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret primary and secondary sources, and use them to build a persuasive argument

Research element

This is a core module on the Liberal Arts course which aims to facilitate the acquisition by students of a range of methods of enquiry from various disciplines and equip them to deploy those skills in research. Research skills are embedded into the teaching strategy of all of the course's modules which, collaboratively, seek to develop and enhance students’ capacity to conduct independently original research into a current problem. Specifically, this module aims to introduce students to the range of research methods employed in the Arts and Humanities and to offer them opportunities to practice using some of these methods in practical assignments.
The module’s aims complement those of the Certificate of Digital Literacy where students learn to conduct research using approaches from Digital Humanities.

Interdisciplinary

This is a core module on the Liberal Arts course which adopts an interdisciplinary approach spanning the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences fields in order to engage with debates on topical, local national and international issues.

International

This is an optional module on the BA in Liberal Arts course which offers a unique transdisciplinary learning experience allowing students to achieve breadth and depth of knowledge.

Subject specific skills

Skills of scholarly practice, including the ability to distinguish instances of plagiarism and correct them.
Ability to search through a range of archival sources using a systematic and precise method and evaluate the potential usefulness of these sources.
Skills in planning and conducting an interview for research purposes.
Oral and written communication skills.
Digital literacy skills.
Professional communication skills.
Skills in working with others.
Problem solving skills.
Information technology skills.
Research skills across various disciplines and using a variety of methods.
Critical analysis skills.

Transferable skills

Complex problem solving skills.
Critical thinking skills.
Creative sikills.
People management skills.
Skills in co-coordinating with others.
Judgement and decision making skills.
Negotiation skills.
Skills in cognitive flexibility.