Students
APPL701 – Designing and Conducting Language-related Research
2016 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convener and lecturer
Peter Roger
Contact via email
C5A 509
Flexible - e-mail to arrange a time
Margaret Wood
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Acquiring advanced research knowledge and developing research skills is integral to and a core element in master of research program. In this unit students will be exposed to main research methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods; they will also be involved with research activities through learning and assessment tasks. By completing this unit, it is anticipated that students master critical concepts in research and be able to apply different research methods by preparing research proposals on topics of their interest.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- 1. Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- 2. Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- 3. Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- 4. Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- 5. Synthesise relevant literature in selected area and communicate the outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 7. Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
General Assessment Information
Assessment at a Glance
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Assignments |
Due Date/time |
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Area of interest (Essay) - 2000 words |
25% |
Friday March 25, 2016 at 23:55 Sydney Time |
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Annotated bibliography - 2200 words |
30% |
Sunday April 24, 2016 at 23:55 Sydney Time |
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Research Proposal - 2200 words |
40% |
Friday June 10, 2016 at 23:55 Sydney Time |
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Active participation (classroom and online discussion and presentations) |
5% |
Feb - June 2016 |
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 25% | 25/03/2016 |
| Assignment 2 | 30% | 24/04/2016 |
| Assignment 3 | 40% | 10/06/2016 |
| Active participation | 5% | Semester wide |
Assignment 1
Due: 25/03/2016
Weighting: 25%
This assignment is an expository essay in which you describe and explain your area of interest, its significance and why you have chosen the area. You may discuss the significance of the chosen area theoretically and practically by citing related literature, and support your selection of the topic by showing how it is important to you personally, professionally and contextually (where you work or what you’ll be doing). Detailed instructions will be provided in Week 1.
All assignments for APPL902 should follow American Psychological Association (APA) writing style manual (use LibGuide from MU library page for information on APA style).
http://libguides.mq.edu.au/content.php?pid=78683&sid=1438141
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
Assignment 2
Due: 24/04/2016
Weighting: 30%
An annotated bibliography (AB) is a list of sources and annotations (summary and evaluation) on a selected topic arranged in alphabetical order. Each annotation will have three parts. The first part is the bibliographic information of the source, which should strictly follow APA style. The second part of each annotation includes a concise summary of the content and methodology of the study. The third part of the annotation is a critical evaluation of the study and its relevance to the theme of the AB (your chosen topic or area of interest). Further detailed instructions will be provided early in the semester.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- 4. Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
Assignment 3
Due: 10/06/2016
Weighting: 40%
Assignment 3 is a proposal for a research project and is based on Assignments 1 and 2 with some additional sections. Use assignments 1 and 2 and the comments and feedback you received to prepare your proposal. Further detailed instructions will be provided early in the semester.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 2. Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- 3. Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- 4. Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- 5. Synthesise relevant literature in selected area and communicate the outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 7. Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
Active participation
Due: Semester wide
Weighting: 5%
Both internal (on-campus) and external (distance) students should take part in learning and teaching activities throughout the semester.
For internal students, this will include attending lectures, presentations, and participation in class discussion. If you are an internal student, participation in online discussions is optional (although you are most welcome do so).
For external students, active participation will include the 'topic' presentation in Week 3, and at least three other initial postings in response to the discussion topics posted throughout the semester. This excludes your responses to other students’ postings and the initial introduction of yourself and your topics.
For all students (internal and external), I'd encourage you to use the “Glossary” tool to provide brief definitions and/or descriptions of key research concepts and terms. This will help you to consolidate your understanding of key terms and will give others a chance to read and understand those concepts. There is also a Wiki where you can post more lengthy definitions as well as useful sources that you come across. Glossary and Wiki contributions are not included in the active participation grade, but will enhance your learning.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 3. Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
Delivery and Resources
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The learning and teaching strategies used in this Unit are individual study, in-class face to face lectures and in-class and online discussions through the discussion forum. Online discussion provides students (especially distance/external students) the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with other classmates to consolidate their understanding of theoretical concepts. Both internal and external students are encouraged to take part in online discussion of different topics.
Should you have any personal issues (e.g. requests for extensions, etc.), these should be addressed directly to the unit convenor (peter.roger@mq.edu.au)
Resources
We use the following texts in this unit. The first one is “required” (you must have a copy), and the other ones are “optional” (you may or may not have a copy) for further reading.
Dornyei, Z. (2007) Research methods in applied linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Required)
Kumar, R. (2014)(4th ed.). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (Optional)
Paltridge, B., & Phakiti, A. (eds.)(2010). Continuum companion to research methods in applied linguistics. London: Continuum International Publishing Group. (Optional)
Many of the other resources that you need for this unit will be available electronically through the Macquarie University Library, and our session in Week 2 will cover this in detail.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 3. Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- 4. Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- 5. Synthesise relevant literature in selected area and communicate the outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 3
- Active participation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- 2. Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- 3. Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- 4. Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- 5. Synthesise relevant literature in selected area and communicate the outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 2. Demonstrate a coherent knowledge of the principles and concepts of research
- 3. Explain various processes and procedures that are integral to language-related research
- 4. Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- 5. Synthesise relevant literature in selected area and communicate the outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 7. Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 5. Synthesise relevant literature in selected area and communicate the outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 7. Demonstrate the ability to collect and analyse data
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
Assessment task
- Assignment 3
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Identify areas of interest and express appropriate research questions
- 4. Conduct advanced searching of different databases and critically evaluate the relevance of the sources
- 5. Synthesise relevant literature in selected area and communicate the outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
Assessment tasks
- Assignment 1
- Assignment 2
- Assignment 3
- Active participation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 6. Apply ethical issues in research
- 8. Apply advanced skills in research proposal writing
Assessment task
- Assignment 3