MA Seminar- Polish Sign Language, lev.1 3200-M2-4SEM1
The master’s seminar is intended to develop the research and academic writing skills necessary for preparing a master’s thesis in the field of Polish Sign Language (PJM). The course has a practical and individualized character. Its purpose is to guide students through successive stages of their own research project, including defining and justifying a topic, formulating research questions and hypotheses, selecting research methods, compiling a bibliography, planning the structure of the thesis, and drafting its chapters.
The seminar addresses methodological issues related to research in translation studies, linguistics, literature, and culture within the field of Polish Sign Language. Students analyse examples of academic texts, work with databases and bibliographic tools, and become familiar with the standards and conventions of master’s thesis writing in PJM studies.
A substantial portion of the work is completed independently. Students prepare successive sections of their thesis, discuss them with the seminar supervisor, and revise them accordingly. Regular discussion of progress supports the development of critical thinking, argumentation skills, and research independence. The overall workload includes participation in seminars and consultations, as well as independent work on the thesis outline, bibliography, and individual chapters.
The course is delivered as part of the “Integrated Teaching Development Programme – ZIP 2.0” project, co-financed by the European Social Fund under the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (Grant Agreement No. FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Upon completion of the programme, the graduate:
K_W01 – has an advanced understanding of the complex structure of language as a system;
K_W02 – has an advanced understanding of the psycholinguistic, biological, cultural, and linguistic aspects of language use;
K_W03 – possesses advanced knowledge of specialist terminology in linguistics;
K_W04 – possesses advanced knowledge of specialist terminology in literary studies;
K_W05 – has an advanced understanding of major developments and current research trends in linguistics, as well as the principal research centres in the field;
K_W06 – has an advanced understanding of research methods used in linguistics;
K_W07 – demonstrates professional knowledge of intellectual property rights and copyright regulations;
K_W08 – has an advanced understanding of the role of language in communication between individuals and cultures;
K_W09 – has an advanced understanding of the relationships between linguistics and other academic disciplines.
Skills
Upon completion of the programme, the graduate is able to:
K_U01 – apply acquired knowledge to conduct research in linguistics using appropriate methodologies, including advanced information and communication technologies;
K_U02 – identify cultural elements characteristic of the studied linguistic area and interpret socio-historical developments within that area;
K_U03 – search for, analyse, evaluate, and select information in both the native language and foreign languages;
K_U04 – use advanced linguistic research tools and select research methods appropriate to specific research problems;
K_U06 – express personal views and opinions orally and in writing in both the native language and foreign languages, and present the views and arguments of others in those languages;
K_U09 – independently acquire knowledge in linguistics and evaluate the usefulness of learned methods, practices, and procedures in professional activities;
K_U12 – independently acquire knowledge in literary studies and evaluate the usefulness of learned methods, practices, and procedures in professional activities.
Social Competences
Upon completion of the programme, the graduate is prepared to:
K_K01 – recognize the importance of current disciplinary knowledge and critically evaluate received information and content;
K_K02 – appropriately identify and address problems of interlingual and intercultural communication;
K_K05 – recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and seek expert advice when necessary.
Assessment criteria
Course completion is based on:
1. Systematic work on the research project, including:
o preparation of a thesis proposal, bibliography, and/or research plan;
o development of successive thesis sections (chapters or subchapters);
o participation in consultations and implementation of revisions.
2. Active participation in seminar meetings, including presentations of progress and engagement in discussions.
3. Timely completion of agreed stages of the thesis project.
The final assessment reflects:
• the degree of progress achieved in the master’s thesis;
• the academic quality of submitted thesis sections;
• the ability to apply research methodology and principles of academic writing;
• participation and preparation for seminar sessions.
Students are entitled to two unexcused absences.
The course concludes with a pass/fail assessment.
A condition for passing the course is demonstrating clear and measurable progress in the completion of the master’s thesis project.
Bibliography
Reading materials are provided by the seminar supervisor during the course and are tailored to individual research projects.