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THEO50A90: Foundations for the research project

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 5
Credits 90
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Theology and Religion

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To equip students to conduct doctoral-level research in practical theology in the context of ministry.

Content

  • This will embrace four main areas:
  • Qualitative research methods, e.g. designing and beginning ethnographic research, data analysis
  • Literature-based research methods, e.g. identifying key texts and designing a literature review
  • General research skills, e.g. reading and writing
  • Subject-specific guidance (from supervisors)

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Demonstrable in-depth understanding of the literature associated with the selected investigation
  • Advanced understanding of a range of research methods and the ability to identify suitable techniques of data collection and analysis relevant to the proposed investigation
  • An understanding of research ethics, where qualitative research is included

Subject-specific Skills:

  • The ability to construct a viable research proposal in theology in the context of ministry.
  • Advanced research skills including the ability to identify main questions and key sources.
  • Ability to present engagement with textual sources and/or qualitative data and analysis to professional standard.

Key Skills:

  • The ability to present sophisicated and complex information clearly in the written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures: to model approaches to research in a range of theological disciplines
  • Seminars/workshops: to learn a range of research skills and methods relevant to the students project, from a range of qualitative research and literature-based research oriented sessions
  • Tutorials with subject experts: to allow small-group and one-to-one discussion of research being undertaken by the students
  • Supervision meetings: to allow focused discussion with supervisory team of research being undertaken by the student
  • Presentations: to allow students to practice research skills and methods

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures84 per residential school90 minutes12 
Tutorials21 per residential school 90 minutes3 
Seminars/workshops63 per residential school90 minutes9 
Supervision4 (minimum)1 initial meeting then minimum another 360 minutes4 
Presentations42 2 (student's own) 40 (other students' presentations)1 per residential school (typically first presenting research proposal, second presenting essay as article for publication) 20 per residential (other students presentations) 4531.5 
Student preparation and reading time associated with formative writing and summative assessments840.5 
Total900 

Summative Assessment

Component: Research ProposalComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Research Proposal2,000 words100
Component: Article For PublicationComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay as an article for publication7,000 words100
Component: Research Methodology and JustificationComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Research Methodology and Critical Justification for Student Research Project 6,000 words100

Formative Assessment

Written pieces as directed by the student's supervisors with written and verbal feedback.

More information

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