Course syllabus - English 4, Advanced Essay in English Studies

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to allow students to build upon their previous work in English by conducting independent, discipline-appropriate research in an area of English studies.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

- identify a meaningful research topic
- identify relevant existing research on the topic
- plan an investigation into the topic
- apply a relevant theoretical perspective on the topic
- place the investigation in a meaningful context of previous research
- carry out the investigation with a very high degree of independence
- independently interpret the findings in such a way as to produce meaningful conclusions
- present the research in an essay of about 10 000 words, written in correct and idiomatic English, which follows the discipline specific guidelines for essay preparation and demonstrates a very high degree of independence
- present the research project and its conclusions orally
- sustain a rigorous scholarly discussion about the project

Course content

This course offers students extended experience in carrying out a research task in English studies. It therefore offers students an opportunity to extend their existing knowledge in English studies to a more specialized area, and further insights into discipline-specific research skills.

Tuition

The course consists of seminars, individual supervision and independent work.

Specific requirements

At least two years of studies on the basic level or at least 120 credits in the relevant subject area and a TOEFL test result, minimum score 213 (CBT), 550 (PBT) or 79 (iBT) or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of minimum 6,0 and no band score below 5,0. The English test is COMPULSORY for all applicants except citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA.

Examination

Essay and ventilation seminar. Assessment for this course is based on the finished essay, and to a lesser extent on the student's ability to discuss the essay in a ventilation seminar (UPS1), 15 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

A prerequisite for this course is successful completion of HEN301 or a corresponding course.