German 4: Research Project

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Regular supervision

170 hours

Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced), Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) or fourth-year honours in German. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year and the language prerequisite for this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

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.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• have extended and deepened their knowledge of the chosen topic;
• have sharpened their critical faculties in relation to source material and secondary literature;
• have acquired substantial skills in planning and executing a research program on a specific topic;
• obtained valuable experience with a view to subsequent research projects such as an MA and PhD thesis.

A research essay of 5000 words - 100%.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

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