Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The Research Module provides an introduction to writing essay assignments, term papers and a dissertation at Taught MA level. It seeks to provide all necessary information, practical assistance and technical skills to students for the successful completion of the relevant assignments. The minor thesis provides course participants with the opportunity to demonstrate an active and creative interaction between theory and practice in their particular discipline (when examining a particular issue - whether a general public concern or relevant to their respective profession). It also gives them the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, skills and competence in the area of ethical analysis, decision-making and application.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of writing and research skills, of conducting research and managing and completing written assignments and a minor thesis;
2. Demonstrate in a minor thesis a systematic understanding of a chosen issue or question informed by reliable and valid sources that are at the forefront of their academic field;
3. Display a critical awareness of a contemporary public and/or professional ethical concern together with new ethical insights developed, argued and advanced;
4. Formulate a research question; select from a range of research methodologies that facilitate a theoretical and/or an applied approach to a relevant issue in their discipline;
5. Apply a research methodology appropriate to investigating the research question and to give evidence of a sustained analysis, critical engagement and appropriate academic register in a minor thesis;
6. Apply and appraise various frameworks for dealing with a particular theoretical or practical issue so as to be able to act and respond in a wide and often unpredictable variety of professional and other contexts;
7. Take initiatives in designing and implementing possible projects or the ramifications of their research within the remit of their present (or future) professional role;
8. Self-evaluate and take responsibility for continuing academic and professional development within their field of research;
9. Apply skills in scrutinising and reflecting on specific challenges arising from contemporary work practices and/or more general community and societal issues in order to further understanding and insight and appropriate change.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

An Introduction to Academic Writing Skills and Research Paper Assignments
Writing Well: Academic Register - The Research Paper Assignment - The Use of the Recommended Style Manual - eResources (citation software/on-line journals/open access journals/databases)

An Introduction to Thesis-Based Research / Preparing a Minor Thesis Proposal
What is a Thesis? - MDI Minor Thesis Guidelines - The Thesis Topic Form - The Elaborated Thesis Form - Working with your Supervisor - Undertaking a Literature Review and Formulating a Research Question - Conceptual Research - Empirical Approaches: Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research - Research Ethics

Philosophical and Ethical Research Methodologies

Course participants can select ONE of the following research seminars:
Empirical Research Methods (Quantitative) - Method in Theology and Philosophy - Documentary Based Research and Research in Philosophy and Ethics

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Haffner, Paul: 1996, A Methodology for Term Papers and Theses, Gracewing, Leominster, 0 85244 381 1
Fowler, Alisdair: 2007, How to Write, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Lee, Anne: 2011, Successful Research Supervision: Advising Students Doing Research, Routledge, London, 978-0-415-66353-3
Manser, Martin & Curtis, Stephen: 2002, The Penguin Writer's Manual, Penguin, London,
Oliver, Paul: 2008, The Student's Guide to Research Ethics, Reprint, Open University Press, Philadephia,
Penslar, Robin L. (ed.): 1995, Research Ethics: Cases and Materials, Indiana University Press, Bloomington,
Trask, R.L.: 2001, Mind the Gaffe: The Penguin Guide to Common Errors in English, Penguin, London,
Truss, Lynne: 2003, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Guide to Punctuation, Profile Books, London,

Other Resources

42763, Website, Mater Dei Institute of Education, 0, Research Ethics Guide, https://intranet.materdei.ie/index.cfm/page/researchethics,

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