Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ARAM222: Research Assistant in Middle East Studies

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

By the end of this module you will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to work effectively as a research assistant, including how to communicate with your project manager, how to manage your time, and how to work as part of a team. During the module you will receive support and training from the module convener, feedback from your peers during workshops, and mentoring by a research active member of staff (your project manager). You will be tasked with conducting original, independent research and producing a substantial piece of writing that will form part of a larger research project that the project manager is working on. In the process, you will gain experience in how to demonstrate knowledge of Middle East Studies as well as academic and practical research methods.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Establish connections between the subject-knowledge, interpretation and presentation skills acquired as part of a Masters degree in Middle East Studies and the skills required in the workplace
2. Describe, analyse and deploy two or more research methodologies in the area of Middle East Studies and to critically reflect on practical experiences gained and the impact these may have;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Exercise informed judgement concerning the practical constraints of being a research assistant in the field of Middle East Studies;
4. Use discipline-specific critical approaches acquired in Masters level Middle East Studies degree to deliver the agreed project contribution in an employment setting;
5. Exhibit an understanding of the relationship between knowledge and practice
6. Communicate (in writing and in speech) in a manner appropriate to the particular workplace context;
Personal and Key Skills7. Conduct independent research;
8. Exercise critical judgment in the form of cogent and persuasive writing
9. Make rigorous and not merely persuasive arguments in the form of a well-designed presentation;
10. Develop a personal profile and curriculum vitae for work in academia and develop practical work-based skills and experience;
11. Perform in a research environment in a manner in keeping with the expectations of the workplace