126-410 German 4: Research Project

Completion of 50 points of third year German either at advanced or post-beginners level. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 50 points of European studies at third year and satisfied the language prerequisite for this subject.

The subject enables students to complete a 5000-word research project in German or English on a topic to be approved by their supervisor and by the subject co-ordinator. The subject's aim is to train students in carrying out a substantial piece of work in preparation for the Honours, MA and PhD theses. 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.

• possess the following generic skills:

• Research: through frequent and systematic use of the library and other information sources, the definition of areas of inquiry and familiarisation with research methods; Critical thinking and analysis: through required and recommended reading and essay writing, and by assessing the strength of arguments; 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 German and Swedish culture and society, and by formulating arguments; written communication: through essay and assignment preparation and writing.

A research essay of 5000 words 100%.