| CODE | IMS5039 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Approaches to Research Methodologies: Tools and Techniques | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Institute of Maltese Studies | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit will introduce students to research principles, methods of research, and dissertation writing skills. It involves orientation visits to libraries, archives and museums in Malta., Repositories and resource centres for future research will be explored.The cultural heritage aspect of the various holdings is highlighted. Lectures will cover such subjects as History of Maltese Heritage Legislation and the protection of Malta鈥檚 cultural heritage, the genesis of collections and Museums in Malta and the development of State, Church and Private Museums. Attention will be given to the socio-educational role and functions of Museums in preserving and fostering identity. Lectures will also focus on a discussion of the development of printing in Malta and particularly upon the type of printed matter thus made available, its means of dissemination and its role within contemporary society. Imported printed matter will also be treated in this context. Such a study of the role of printed matter and of other forms of written means of communication will also delve into issues of censorship and control as well and the extent to which such controls made the locally-available printed and manuscript matter a means of reinforcing the local political, religious and social status- quo or a challenge to it. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit aims to give the opportunity to candidates to: - work with sources:collecting, classifying, analysing and interpreting information; - learn the implications of studying different sources of information; - use the latest computer technology; - provide resources and skills to aid in writing the dissertation, which include the use of the style sheet, the importance of the bibliography, and ways of drafting chaptersand the ethics of writing. - analyse aspects on the way researchers and scholars of Maltese culture make use of primary sources for their research. - gain a comprehensive understanding of the functions of Archives, Libraries, and Museums in Malta. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - comprehend the different issues and techniques in collecting, classifying, analysing and interpreting information; - appreciate the implications of selecting and studying different sources of information; - comprehend the different roles libraries and archives have in society; - appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these institutions; - gain an insight into the development of Museums and collections of historic artefacts, natural sciences, antiques and works of art in the Maltese islands; - familiarize themselves with the public, ecclesiastical and private sectors with special emphasis on the influence that museums, archives and libraries had on the development of culture and identity in Malta; - become familiar with the development of printing in Malta, comparing it with parallel developments in southern Europe. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - apply contemporarycomputer technology in the research process - evaluate approaches and techniques in studying and in composing the postgraduate dissertation - evaluate and select appropriate research design and methods for conducting research in Maltese libraries and archives and be in a position to make best use of library or archival repositories for postgraduate research - relate artefacts and collections in Malta to global, social, economic, educational and cultural enrichment - gain an understanding of the role of locally-produced and imported printed matter. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Reading lists will be offered by all lecturers. Main Texts: - Farrugia, C.: Maltese Archives鈥y choice (Miller Distributers Ltd., Malta, 2019). - Gambin, K.: One Hundred Years of Heritage 1903 - 2003: A History of State Museums and Heritage Sites in Malta,(KKM, Malta 2003). - Turabian, K.l.: A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing and Publishing, Seventh Edition, 2007). - Ritter, R.: The Oxford Guide to Style (OUP, 2nd Edition 2002). - Zammit, V.: Il-Muzewijiet f'Malta (PIN, Malta, 2002). - Zammit, W.: Printing in Malta, 1642-1839 (Gutenberg Press, Malta, 2008). - Zerafa, L.V.: Libraries and National Development, (Malta Government Press, Malta, 2000). - Vella Bonavita, R. (ed.): Maltese History: What Future?, (Malta University Press, Malta, 1971). - Wisker, G.: The Postgraduate Research Handbook (Palgrave Study Guides, 2nd Edition 2007). Catalogues on-line - www.nationalarchives.gov.mt; - www.apenet.eu; - www.aristhot.eu. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite qualifications: Degree or Equivalent | ||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Visit | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Charles Dalli (Co-ord.) Charles Farrugia Reuben Grima William Zammit |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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