BU5914 - Critical Studies Paper

Credit Points: 30

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Julian Randall

Pre-requisite(s): Students electing to proceed to the Critical Studies Paper must have completed their taught courses to the required level in the first two semesters.

Note(s): Please note that this course will not run during 2011/12.

The aim of this course is to allow students to bring together their knowledge, learning and understanding gathered from across the modules studied during the MBA taught programmes.

The specific objectives of the course are to facilitate and assess students in:
- Choose an appropriate topic for a Critical Studies paper
- Place the topic in the context of an appropriate body of literature
- Identify key concepts, ideas and definitions pertaining to the topic and its development
- Select appropriate methodology to support the pitch of the Paper
- Organise empirical an theoretical material observing the relevant academic conventions
- Present a logical and cogent argument in support of conclusions drawn from material presented
- Identify and acknowledge elements in the argument that are less certain or needing more supporting evidence
- Handle concerns and objections positively and assertively
- Gain experience of amending and rewriting material according to guidance from a Supervisor
- Be able to defend the Paper in reasoned argument and debate

The course will be presented in 2 two-hour lectures offering the guidelines for writing a Critical Studies Paper.

There will follow 4 one-hour sessions with the Supervisor or e-mailed attachments of written drafts which will be corrected and amended by the student before proceeding to the next section or draft.

The Critical Studies Paper will be 7,000 words in length and assessment will be made under the following criteria:
- Overall lay-out and presentation
- Adherence to the word limit and section guidelines
- Communication skill
- Focus of the argument through the Paper
- Adequacy of the literature drawn on in the Paper
- Critical and analytical ability demonstrated throughout the arguments offered in the Paper
- Style of writing, grammar and spelling
- Academic conventions used in correct referencing throughout the Paper and in its Bibliography

2x2-hour lectures
4x1-hour sessions with the Supervisors

Submitted project (100%. Assessment consists of 7,000 word Critical Studies Paper.