Engaging with your literature: critical reading and managing literature-based research (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences)

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To truly engage with literature at doctoral level it is crucial to develop a ‘critical’ approach that enables a strict and thus manageable selection of literature, and the development of interpretative themes by which to categorise and narrate the literature. Both aspects of critical reading and thinking often form the foundation of the thesis, given it both context and justification. Indeed, how a student approaches the literature is itself an integral part of establishing and evolving a unique contribution to knowledge.

This course seeks to help students develop their critical reading skills, and to deploy tactics and strategies that can accelerate the process of literature-based research without sacrificing detail and depth necessary for a doctoral thesis.

First-year PhD Students in Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here.

Please bring one article or book chapter relevant to your research.

• Gain a better understanding of the breadth and depth of literature based research expected of them
• Explore the various options available for managing large amounts of literature and/or references
• Use creative learning techniques to explore the various facets of their topic in depth, with the opportunity to share their thoughts with others
• Deepen their understanding of critical reading and thinking
• Explore the various options available for managing large amounts of literature and/or references
• Learn how to successfully navigate between individual style and convention of form

Participative workshop, comprising information-giving and activities.

One half day session

This course is scheduled to run once per term.