Germanic Studies work Methodology

bgerm1230  2024-2025  Bruxelles Saint-Louis

Germanic Studies work Methodology
5.00 credits
30.0 h
Q2
Language
French
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

This course aims to familiarize students with the concepts and research methods used in literary and linguistic studies by zooming in specifically on Germanic languages. By the end of the course, students will be able to formulate a research question both in the areas of literature and linguistics, will be able to identify and describe key methodological points in relation to a specific research question and present the results in a written report using academic French.

At the end of the course, students should be able to identify and critically reflect on information sources. This is done via a rigorous scientific methodology which puts forward relevant and well-presented research hypotheses. In addition, students should be able to write an academic text and develop a scientific bibliography.
 
Content
The course includes two specific modules, namely:
• Methods in linguistic studies: students are required to carry out a research project in a specific area of linguistics, describe it in a detailed written scientific report and defend it orally during the exam. They will be guided in their project by the lecturer and will be asked to read a number of scientific articles in the field so as to become familiar with the methods used and be able to replicate these in as much as this is feasible.
• Methods in literary studies: students will be introduced to the heuristic approach and to the different stages involved in writing a scientific text. They will then be taught to apply theoretical aspects via a series of practical exercises (such as case studies; library assignments; writing an abstract, a review, a scientific text based on a pre-defined research question).
Teaching methods
The course will be interactive and will include the reading of scientific papers, a critical reflection on the methods used in literary and linguistic studies. Individual tasks as well as project-based learning will also be part of the course.

The scientific approach (description of bibliographical tools, scientific resources, and methodological orientations) and the essential steps of scientific work (formulating hypotheses, identifying suitable research methods, arguments, and conclusions) take central stage in this course.
Evaluation methods
Both the literature and linguistic sections of the exam count for 50% of the total score.

Linguistics section: oral exam during which students present the methods and results of the linguistic project they carried out. A Powerpoint presentation is used as visual support.

Literature section: oral exam on a previously submitted written work.
Passing both the linguistic part and the literature part is essential to demonstrate the skills and knowledge defined in the learning outcomes of the course unit. A failing grade in either the linguistic or literature part will result in a failing grade for the entire course unit. Students will need to retake the part in which they failed. 
If the student chooses to use one or more AIs (or any other online tool), they must systematically indicate all the parts in which these tools were used, e.g. in footnotes. The student should specify whether the AI was used to search for information, to write the text, or to improve or correct it. The student should also mention which AI (or other online tool) was used (ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, Chatsonic, DeepL, etc.) and the date on which it was used. Information sources must be systematically cited in accordance with bibliographic referencing standards. The student remains responsible for the content of their work, regardless of the sources used.
In order to ensure that the student's written work is personal, criteria such as originality, critical thinking, creativity and illustration with examples (e.g. from their own experience) will be taken into account. 
Any behavior on the part of the student that prevents or attempts to prevent, in whole or in part, the correct assessment of their knowledge, skills and/or competences will be considered an irregularity that may lead to sanctions. 
Other information
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Bibliography
Supports mis à disposition des étudiants sur Moodle.
Faculty or entity


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Modern Languages and Letters: German, Dutch and English