Students
ENGX8090 – Special Study Unit 1: Research Preparation
2020 – Session 1, Fully online/virtual
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.
Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.
Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Associate Professor Jane Messer
Contact via jane.messer@mq.edu.au
Lvl 2, Australian Hearing Hub 16 University Ave
By appointment
Supervisor
Dept of English academic staff
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Permission by special approval and Admission to MCrWrit
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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 offers students the opportunity to develop critical research and writing skills. The research project question is initiated and devised by the student, in consultation with the unit convenor and/or an individual supervisor. Research will be conducted within the fields of literary analysis or creative writing theory, drawing upon related fields such as history or philosophy; the final essay or chapter may be interdisciplinary in its approach. The planning, research and writing undertaken in this unit will enable students to practice and advance their critical thinking abilities and written expression skills. For those students planning to continue on to the thesis-writing unit, the topic selected and the research and written work completed in this unit is preparatory. There are no classes in this unit; students work independently, consulting with their supervisor at scheduled virtual or in face-to-face meetings. At the successful outcome of the unit, students will have produced a critical essay or thesis chapter. |
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:
- ULO1: Devise a research question relating to literature or creative writing.
- ULO2: Locate and appropriately document scholarly research relevant to the topic.
- ULO3: Use advanced critical thinking and writing skills to produce a finished work of critical research.
- ULO4: Communicate the value and significance of the research.
- ULO5: Appraise and evaluate the scholarly field and research culture within which the research is situated.
Assessment Tasks
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.
Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students
General Assessment Information
Extensions
Students should contact the convenor as soon as possible if an extension is needed. The Faculty of Arts policy states that students must apply for Special Consideration via Ask.mq. "Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests."
Delivery and Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.
Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status
The unit is undertaken online, and in consultation with the unit convenor, who works with students to develop their topic. There are no lectures, however there are academic resources in the iLearn site on academic research and writing skills.
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.)
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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.