THEO2461: Research Project and Colloquium in Theology and Religion

• A pass mark in at least ONE level one module in Theology and Religion

• 40 credits of Theology and Religion modules concurrently

• None

• To encourage students to develop advanced study skills, including the ability to identify and define their own research questions within the context of a given set of texts and issues.
• To develop effective strategies for pursuing an independently identified research project, and for writing an extended project.
• The ability to discuss, explain and defend ideas in a small group context (the "Colloquium"), and to answer questions about the research project.
• To enhance progression from Level 1, and to facilitate progression to Level 3 in Theology and Religion, or Philosophy and Theology. In particular, to prepare for the demands of the research-based Level 3 Dissertation.

• This module will enable students to develop more advanced study skills through working in a small, intensive seminar requiring extensive reading, discussion, and writing about problems in connection with defined themes in Theology and Religion.
• It is envisaged that each seminar strand will have theme along the lines of a well-conceived conference/colloquium. Different students/researchers can come at the same theme from a number of perspectives, where all the students/researchers benefit from learning about these alternative approaches.
• The module will include:
• An information skills workshop designed to improve students' ability to make best use of library and other learning resources as independent learners.
• An overview lecture explaining course objectives, methods, and procedures.
• Staff-directed seminars examining key texts and problems within the areas of the defined themes.
• Student-directed seminars requiring students to present aspects of their work-in-progress, while they are developing their extended independent project connected with the theme of their seminar strand.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of a key aspect of a field of study within the area of the defined themes.

Subject-specific Skills:

• The ability to identify and define a research question within the context of a given set of texts and issues.
• The ability to develop effective research strategies.
• The ability to write an extended independent project.
• The ability to discuss, explain and defend ideas in a small-group context.

Key Skills:

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of an argument both in written and in oral form.
• The generation of insight through both individual reflection and group discussion.

• The lecture sets out the aims, method and objectives of the module.
• The study skills sessions facilitate the independent research of the students.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation, and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• The summative seminar presentation assesses the students' ability to explain and defend ideas in a small-group context.
• The research proposal and bibliography assesses the students to identify a research question within a given context, and to develop effective strategies for pursuing this research.
• The one-to-one tutorial provides tailored feedback on the research proposal.
• The extended independent project assesses the students' subject-specific knowledge and understanding, and the students' ability to carry out independent research, and to present the findings of this research in a compelling way.

Research Proposal and Bibliography (1,000 words, excluding bibliography) to be submitted in penultimate week of Michaelmas term, in preparation for end of term Tutorial.

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