Module Information

To allow PhD/MPhil students to develop their reading/writing/communication skills with regard to the available literature.
The module provides students with experience in reading, discussing and critically assess publications and research. It could also cover the writing of a critical literature review. The expectation is that students will be actively involved in the development process and contribute to the module and evaluation process.

This is likely to take the form of small group seminars, with about 10 sessions between Oct and March of the academic year. There are several stages to this:
- A reading list is designed, which could involve the students, supervisors and convenor. This will be done in the first session.
- Depending on the make-up/diversity of the group, papers are either randomly allocated (if all within the group have more or less the same background, or more selectively (if there are significant differences in the research areas), or to randomly allocate at the start of a session. It is essential that all will read all papers. This will be done in the first session.
- There could be an aspect of defending and criticising the paper (and get two from the group involved in each session). The outcome of a session could be an agreed summary. This will cover sessions two to nine.
- The final session will cover a reflection on the discussed aspects and the literature covered.
- Assessment is based on participation: turning up for all sessions could be a pass, with higher marks associated with participation/contribution. In addition, a draft literature review is expected in combination with a reflective (1000 words) essay on a selection of papers discussed.