Under the supervision of a staff member with appropriate expertise, students will independently research a topic. Students will usually explore a topic related to either an area with which familiarity has been gained through undergraduate study or an area of focus in one of the taught papers at 400-level. However, other areas of research are possible if the student has the necessary background and the department can offer appropriate supervision.
About this paper
| Paper title | Research Essay |
|---|---|
| Subject | English |
| EFTS | 0.2500 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Full Year
(Distance learning)
Full Year (On campus) 1st Non standard period (1 July 2026 - 1 June 2027) (Distance learning) 1st Non standard period (1 July 2026 - 1 June 2027) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $2,090.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 72 points from ENGL 311-368, EURO 302
- Restriction
- ENGL 490
- Eligibility
- Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
A supervisor will be determined based on student research interest and staff availability.
- Teaching Arrangements
Students will meet regularly (usually weekly) with their supervisors. In addition, all ENGL480 Research Essay and ENGL490 Dissertation students attend weekly seminars in semester 1. These seminars provide an introduction to topic formation, research resources, methods and techniques, and both written and oral presentation skills.
All students will complete a short seminar presentation on their research during semester 1.
A draft of the essay must be submitted by the end of August, and the final version in early to mid-October.
Where possible, students should identify a research topic by early December so that they can commit themselves to a reading programme over the summer break prior to the fourth year of study.
To register interest and receive more information, please contact Grace Moore at grace.moore@otago.ac.nz.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.- Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will demonstrate the:
- Ability to formulate research questions and develop a research plan
- Ability to identify and evaluate appropriate research in the chosen field
- Ability to develop an argument
- Ability to write with clarity and grace