Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ARAM112A: Independent Reading Course - Sem 1

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The primary aim of this module is to help you develop research skills that allow you to investigate topics and readings that may be of use in constructing a viable dissertation and to develop key disciplinary skills that may contribute to the wider MA programme. This module may not be used for direct research on individual MA dissertation topics; however, it may be used to explore topics of wider interest for a dissertation. Subject to the availability of a qualified teacher (to be arranged through the course convenor), this module is intended to allow you (individually or in very small groups) to pursue guided readings in areas of individual faculty specialisation where a formal course is not currently offered. These areas would normally include, among others, areas (e.g., readings in Persian, Arabic, or a specialised historical or regional field) where MA students are entering the programme with a level of competency equal to or beyond that covered in the introductory course offerings. Both Islamic and Middle East Studies (and available Institute faculty interests and specialisations) cover many fields and regions beyond those listed in the formal curriculum, and this course is intended to allow interested MA students to pursue those studies with the appropriate staff.

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 Skills	1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the particular themes, theories, and approaches examined in the tutorial. 2. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the readings, theories and approaches investigated in the tutorial using linguistic skills to read texts in Middle Eastern languages
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. Demonstrate analytically how to contextualize the readings, theories and approaches within the wider field of Middle East and Islamic Studies 4. Undertake research effectively, construct a bibliography and ground one's research within the field of Middle East and Islamic Studies
Personal and Key Skills	5. Demonstrate understanding and analysis of research undertaken in oral and written forms 6. Demonstrate the absorption, critical analysis of readings and approaches undertaken

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

The syllabus will be tailored for the student who is accepted.

The students will be required to present a final paper on a research question.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
14	136	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	14	(4 x 2 hour) Engagement and discussion of readings, at times agreed directly with the tutor, (3 x 2 hour) meeting with course convenor and group in weeks 2, 7 and 11 of term; to make a presentation of your essay to this group
Guided Independent Study	80	Investigation of sources and research
Guided Independent Study	30	Preparing and presenting the formative assessment and writing the final summative paper
Guided Independent Study	26	Utilising a major web-based resource

Other Learning Resources

Index islamicus

Encyclopaedia of Islam and other similar electronic resources