This module is optional within the university’s Extended Study Scheme and open to all master’s students during the second semester of their programmes. Dissertation writing, as the most important academic task for master’s students, requires a combination of reading and writing skills. It also calls for an ability to explain one’s research project to an expert audience. The module aims to develop students’ academic proficiencies in a range of skills, including the use of academic language, evaluation and synthesis of textual sources, structuring high level written texts, all of which are vital in order to complete dissertation project. In particular, students will learn how to write a research proposal and deliver a presentation to introduce their research. Assessment takes the form of a project which includes a spoken and written component.
A Critically evaluate and synthesise information from academic sources for use in specified academic tasks B Develop advanced writing skills including using appropriate academic language, style, and structure for research-oriented written communications C Develop advanced speaking skills, including using appropriate academic language, style, and strategies to present one’s research and respond to interdisciplinary and discipline-specific questions
Seminars are used for teaching the skills mentioned in the learning outcomes. There are 40 taught hours (2 x 2 hours per week) over 10 weeks (from Week 2 to Week 11). Students are given guidance on, and opportunities to, practice the targeted skills through various in-class activities. Class sizes are maintained at a small size appropriate for language teaching. Tutorials are used for assessment tasks (in W12/13) and consultations (W12/13 and the exam period). Students receive guided and formative feedback during class time, and receive feedback after completing the project task. For self-study, students are expected to engage in one to two hours of reading and writing activities outside of class each week.