Learning outcomes

The student acquires the skills needed to carry out independent scholarly research in the domain of English linguistics.

Goals

Building on skills acquired across the curriculum, work on the bachelor paper in English linguistics allows the student to perfect a number of skills:

  • selecting a research topic and formulating research questions;
  • carrying out relevant bibliographical research;
  • reading, reflecting on and making productive use of the relevant research literature;
  • defining relevant methodologies and research strategies;
  • defining, collecting, analysing and interpreting the data set;
  • using the correct bibliographic referencing styles both in-text and in the reference list;
  • writing up a piece of scholarly research in English.

For more information about teaching method and evaluation, please see under "Pedagogy".

Content

With the help of the supervisor the student selects a research topic to be explored and investigated in a creative, individual research project. To this end the student defines a work plan for the research and writing process. The length of the paper is typically expected to range between 6,000 and 8,000 words (excluding appendices, if any).

Teaching methods

The bachelor paper is fully integrated within the programme of Langues et littératures germaniques both academically and in terms of language proficiency, and follows the same personalized pedagogical approach.

The student has previously, at BA2 level, been introduced to bibliographical research in the training module designed specifically for the department by the Moretus Plantin University Library staff. The student's work is supervised by the supervisor, and the student can take advantage of the central library's "book a librarian" service.

As regards methodology and academic writing skills, the student has been prepared across the curriculum, and especially in BA2.

During the academic year, the student is individually coached by the supervisor. Tutorials in small groups may be organised (including on the MS Teams platform) when different students are working on closely related topics. Feedback is offered at various stages of the research and writing process. 

Assessment method

The bachelor paper is evaluated according to the objectives as defined above. In addition to the scientific content and the personal and critical contribution to research made by the student, the quality and relevance of the paper as well as the forward dynamics and clarity of the writing are also evaluated. 

The expected level of written competence in the target language is C1 (according to the CEFR: https://rm.coe.int/16802fc3a8), applied to an academic register.

Language of instruction

English