Unit Overview
- Description
This core unit aims to assist Honours students in the conceptual development of their dissertation topics through a critical study of some of the major contemporary developments in literary and critical theory and creative writing. Through a selection of modules devoted to particular research and writing skills, students will learn more about processes of research topic development, developing a methodology and critical framework, understanding a research field, and acquiring transferable skills such as editing and communication of one's research. The unit is intended to combine advanced study of literary and cultural theory with practice led engagement with the mechanics of thesis development. The unit will assist students to emerge with the skills to write better dissertations and define and manage their own research projects.
Seminar sessions examine major aspects of developing a research project (in this case, the Honours dissertation): formulating a research question in relation to existing knowledge; developing a research proposal that engages with an existing literary or cultural field; writing a critical introduction that engages with extant scholarship and creative production; structuring the dissertation; developing oral presentation skills that communicate research problems and findings; and writing in an advanced, self-reflective academic style.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) On-campus -
The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Honours core unit in English and Literary Studies [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
- Honours option in Gender Studies [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) have a subtler, non-mechanistic understanding of the practice of reading; (2) be conversant with current debates and new paradigms in critical theory; (3) integrate such concepts into their own critical writing and reading; and (4) possess highly developed skills in critical literacy.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) critical exercise; (2) research essay; and (3) seminar participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Ned Curthoys
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- seminars: 1 x 2 hours per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.