106-401 Research Principles and Practices

Formerly available as 106-126. Students who have completed 106-126 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (English Literary Studies or Cultural Studies) or fourth year honours in English Literary Studies, Cultural Studies or Creative Writing. This is an intensively taught subject taught on the first four Fridays of semester 1 and semester 2 and must be taken concurrently with the first semester of the thesis enrolment.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in English, cultural studies or creative writing.

This subject is designed to equip students with the comprehensive skills necessary for the successful construction and completion of intellectually sophisticated and commercially competitive research projects. This subject constitutes a detailed but broad introduction to research principles and practices common to the disciplinary formations of English literary studies, cultural studies, and creative writing. Through an intensive schedule of seminar attendance, workshop participation and independent research, students will evolve highly specific and customised research proposals, including relevant literature surveys, a detailed outline and timetable of research project, and an annotated bibliography. Students will also complete a research essay on a specific aspect of critical method in literary or cultural studies.

• develop a full research proposal consistent with the current requirements of arts and/or academic funding bodies;

• be able to construct customised research plans with references to archival and electronic databases;

• demonstrate advanced research skills.

A research proposal of 2500 words 50% (due in week 6) and an essay of 2500 words 50% (due in week 10).

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.