116-066 Italian 3R: Research Project

Formerly available as 116-313. Students who have completed 116-313 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Completion of 37.5 points of second year Italian either at advanced or post-beginners level. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 25 points of European studies at second/third year, see Prerequisites.

For this subject, students must complete a 5000-word research project in English or Italian on a topic to be approved by their supervisor and by the subject coordinator. The subject's aim is to train students in carrying out a substantial piece of work in preparation for the fourth-year honours thesis. The areas of research may be connected with the subjects offered this year, or in another area connected with the research interests of staff. On completion of the project, students should have extended and deepened their knowledge of the chosen topic; sharpened their critical faculties in relation to source material and secondary literature; and acquired substantial skills in planning and executing a research program on a specific topic.

• gain skills in research through frequent and systematic use of the library and other information sources, the definition of areas of inquiry and familiarisation with research methods;

• be capable of critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the strength of arguments;

• gain an understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness/openness to the world through the contextualisation of judgements and knowledge, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and new aspects of Italian culture, and by formulating arguments;

• gain skills in written communication through essay and assignment preparation and writing.

A research essay of 5000 words 100% (due at the end of semester).

Bibliography to be discussed with the supervisor.