MA Research Methods 2: Working Practices
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like272 views
This document outlines the aims and activities of a session on research methods for postgraduate literary studies. The session aims to increase awareness of practical and conceptual skills in postgraduate research, understand how to apply essential literary research methods and theoretical approaches, and appreciate the relationship between the researcher, topic, and methods used. During the session, participants will explore their default working style on a text, work with others using an established methodology, and present their findings in a group, considering how best to communicate their approach and analyze its strengths and weaknesses.
MA Research Methods 2: Working Practices
- 1. EN5535: Research & Study Methods for English Working Practices Session 2:
- 2. Session Aims Increased awareness of the practical and conceptual skills required for postgraduate literary studies Understanding of the application of essential literary research methods, analytical techniques and theoretical approaches Appreciation of the dynamic relationship between the researcher, the research topic and the methods employed
- 3. What sort of researcher are you? Or, why do you read and think in the way you do?
- 4. Ideological Methodological Education and previous training Personal Theoretical Social views and perspectives Bias Political Cultural
- 5. Methodological Ideological Close Socialist Reading Education and previous training Social Personal Theoretical Working Feminist views and Class perspectives Bias Freudian Political Cultural cynic Liberal North American
- 6. Ideological Methodological Education and previous training Personal Theoretical Social views and perspectives Other factors Bias Political Cultural Unidentified preferences
- 7. i.e. we think critically... What do we do when we research literature? Analyse Interpret Evaluate Communicate
- 8. Area Studies New Historicism Gender Studies Marxism Queer Theory Deconstruction Psychoanalysis Postmodernism Postcolonial ... Theoretical Methodologies
- 9. Part 1: Textual Work 45 minutes individual scholarship working with a primary text Exploring your “default” working style What assumptions are you making as you work? What approaches are you employing? What research questions are raised by this text?
- 10. Part 2: Research Groups 45 minutes working with other researchers Testing an established methodology and collaborative techniques Do you share an understanding of the text? How will the nominated theoretical framework change your approach? How will you present this as a viable research option?
- 11. Part 3: Communicating Findings 10 minute group presentations Synthesising and evaluating reading and discussion Consider how best to use your allotted time –who will speak, what will they say? What are the most convincing and useful aspects of this approach? Are there weaknesses and limitations to looking at a text from this perspective?
- 12. Summary Critical analysis requires analysing, synthesising and evaluating (not describing) primary and secondary materials Ask questions of your material and of your own approach to it Consider whether different approaches and methodologies might be required
- 13. Next Session Session 3: Dissemination Week 12
Editor's Notes
- #9: Modes of thinking which problematises and challenge assumed values. The application of a system of interpretation. Consider the terminology