This document outlines a module on research skills for English studies. It will teach students what research is, how to develop good research habits, and establish a theoretical framework. The module covers reading as a form of research, re-tracing the steps of previous research, and identifying "buried treasure" or overlooked areas. Later sessions will focus on writing research questions, project management, and reviewing secondary literature. The overall aim is to provide students the systematic methods for investigating materials and reaching new conclusions in their English studies.

1. Research & Study Methods for English
Session 1:
Research Skills for English

2. Outline
The Module
 What are the aims of
this module?
 What will you learn?
 Building good habits
 Establishing a
theoretical framework

3. Warm up What does it mean to
“research” literature?

4. “The outcome of any serious research can only be to
make two questions grow where one question grew
before.”
Thorstein Veblen 1857-1929: University of California Chronicle (1908)
research The systematic search for answers to certain
questions, often using empirical evidence but also using logical
arguments and reflection on social understandings. The search
may aim at discovering facts, putting forward theories, increasing
understanding, and/or changing practice.
M.G. "research" A Dictionary of Education. Ed. Susan Wallace. Oxford University Press, 2009.
research The systematic investigation into and study of materials
and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
"research noun" The Oxford Dictionary of English (revised edition). Ed. Catherine Soanes and Angus Stevenson. Oxford University Press, 2005.

5. Part 1:
Reading as Research

6. Break
Please be back in your seat in 15mins

7. Part 2:
Re-tracing the steps

8. Part 3:
Buried treasure/trapdoor?

9. Research
Proposals
Workshop Section

10. Next Session
Session 2:
Working Practices
Writing Research Questions
Project Management
Reviewing Secondary Literature