Students
LIT 870 – Research Thesis I: Preparation
2018 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Ryan Twomey
Contact via 9850-8743
Level 2, Australian Hearing Hub
By Appointment
Geoffrey Payne
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MChildLit or MCrWrit or MA in Children's Literature
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit involves practise-based research training aimed at developing student research skills. It focuses on the location, evaluation, management and use of research material and the development of key skills required for a research project.
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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:
- Identify a suitable and unique research topic (with an appropriate scope) for a Masters research dissertation.
- Gain insight into academic research culture and learn how to align your research and writing with such a culture.
- Develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating scholarly research.
- Create and maintain an accurate and effective research bibliography.
- Gain a clear understanding of academic discourse and how its linguistic style and form constitute a particular genre of writing.
- Acquire the necessary writing skills for producing an academic research dissertation.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 40% | No | 16 March, 2018 |
| Thesis chapter | 50% | No | 1 June, 2018 |
| Class participation | 10% | No | N/A |
Research Proposal
Due: 16 March, 2018
Weighting: 40%
Students must submit a research proposal which outlines their thesis topic and the scope of their project.
The objective in writing a proposal is to describe what you will do, why it should be done, how you will do it and what you expect will result. A clean, well thought-out, proposal forms the backbone for the thesis itself. This proposal should be approximately 600 words in length.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify a suitable and unique research topic (with an appropriate scope) for a Masters research dissertation.
- Develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating scholarly research.
- Acquire the necessary writing skills for producing an academic research dissertation.
Thesis chapter
Due: 1 June, 2018
Weighting: 50%
Students must submit a chapter of their thesis, approximately 4000 words in length. This chapter need not be the first chapter in the thesis, but it must have a coherent conceptual orientation, and this conceptual orientation must be demonstrated through relevant textual analysis.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating scholarly research.
- Create and maintain an accurate and effective research bibliography.
- Gain a clear understanding of academic discourse and how its linguistic style and form constitute a particular genre of writing.
- Acquire the necessary writing skills for producing an academic research dissertation.
Class participation
Due: N/A
Weighting: 10%
Students will be graded on their class participation. If internal, they will be graded on their class contribution and preparation. If external, they will be graded on the basis of their participation in the iLearn Discussion Board.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify a suitable and unique research topic (with an appropriate scope) for a Masters research dissertation.
- Gain insight into academic research culture and learn how to align your research and writing with such a culture.
- Develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating scholarly research.
- Gain a clear understanding of academic discourse and how its linguistic style and form constitute a particular genre of writing.
Delivery and Resources
*Please note that this unit is run entirely online, using the LIT 870 iLearn site.
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS
There are no set texts for this unit. Students will need to read a selection of articles prior to the Week 3 and Week 4 sessions. These articles are available on the LIT 870 iLearn site.
UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement. Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements.
To complete LIT 870 students must:
- Participate in online discussions on the LIT 870 iLearn site.
- Attend at least two meetings with your thesis supervisor (these meetings are an attendance requirement of the unit).*
- Complete all prescribed assessment tasks.
- Reach a satisfactory level of achievement in the prescribed assessment tasks
*Students enrolled externally can make alternative arrangements if a face-to-face meeting with their supervisor is not possible. (These meetings can be conducted on the phone or via a series of emails.
Notes on Class Participation
Please read the weekly texts and prepare for the seminar discussion topics in advance. You may then post responses to the seminar questions and respond to the postings of other students, to facilitate an active discussion such as would occur in a face-to-face seminar. Students are also encouraged to raise other relevant points of interest in their online discussions. Be prepared to question the opinions of others, to have your opinions challenged and to participate actively in discussion. You are expected to make at least 4 posts* over the semester. *A “post” is defined as a discursive response relevant to unit interests of at least 50 words: a short paragraph of at least 4 sentences.
Unit Schedule
Week 1: Identifying a research topic and writing a research proposal
Week 2: Research – How to Use the Macquarie Library
Week 3: Research Methods
Week 4: Writing a Dissertation – Academic Writing Style
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 outcome
- Identify a suitable and unique research topic (with an appropriate scope) for a Masters research dissertation.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Class 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
- Identify a suitable and unique research topic (with an appropriate scope) for a Masters research dissertation.
- Develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating scholarly research.
- Create and maintain an accurate and effective research bibliography.
- Gain a clear understanding of academic discourse and how its linguistic style and form constitute a particular genre of writing.
- Acquire the necessary writing skills for producing an academic research dissertation.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Thesis chapter
- Class participation
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
- Identify a suitable and unique research topic (with an appropriate scope) for a Masters research dissertation.
- Gain insight into academic research culture and learn how to align your research and writing with such a culture.
- Develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating scholarly research.
- Gain a clear understanding of academic discourse and how its linguistic style and form constitute a particular genre of writing.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Thesis chapter
- Class participation
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
- Identify a suitable and unique research topic (with an appropriate scope) for a Masters research dissertation.
- Gain insight into academic research culture and learn how to align your research and writing with such a culture.
- Develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating scholarly research.
- Create and maintain an accurate and effective research bibliography.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Thesis chapter
- Class participation
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
- Gain a clear understanding of academic discourse and how its linguistic style and form constitute a particular genre of writing.
- Acquire the necessary writing skills for producing an academic research dissertation.
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Thesis chapter
- Class 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:
Assessment task
- Class participation