VIC7013 - Approaches to Methods for Victorian Studies

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the processes of carrying out a research project in Victorian Studies;
demonstrate a critical understanding of high-level theoretical approaches that are relevant to Victorian Studies;
sustain a sophisticated written argument which critically evaluates a theoretical approach that is relevant to Victorian Studies;
demonstrate advanced research skills suitable for study at Level 7.

Content:

This module explores the theoretical and methodological approaches required to research Victorian Studies in an interdisciplinary way to a high level. Approaches to interdisciplinary cultural analyses of Victorian texts ranging from, for example, literary and historical texts to contemporary records, documentation and personal sources such as autobiography and diaries will be considered. Other forms of methodological approach, such as cultural material examination of artefacts, paintings and other forms of representation may also be examined. Students will be encouraged to employ these highly interdisciplinary means in a sustained, sophisticated critical essay. They will also develop key research skills for study at MA level, by undertaking exercises such as: assembling an advanced reading-list, critically evaluating sources, critically evaluating the usefulness of primary sources/artefacts, etc.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Small group seminars; workshops; individual tutorials. Student presentations.

Seminars
Contact hours: 12 x 2 hours
Intended Group size: 15

Individual tutorials
Contact hours: 20 minutes per student
Intended Group size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 275.66

Further details relating to assessment
The portfolio will include research skills exercises such as: an annotated advanced bibliography; critical reviews of primary sources/artefacts etc.; and critical reviews of secondary sources; also a handout from a presentation given in class.

Assessment:

001 Essay 3,500 words End of Semester 2 60%
002 Portfolio of research skills exercises 2,500 words End of Semester 2 40%


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