KHEMISSI_Methodology of Research

About This Course

The course, titled "Research Methodology", is tailored for first-year Master’s students at the English department across all specialities. It aims to equip students with the foundational tools for designing, conducting, and evaluating rigorous scientific investigations within the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Department of English, at the University of Algiers 2. By exploring major research paradigms, establishing logical frameworks, and understanding structural criteria, students will develop a critical understanding of how knowledge is constructed and validated academically. This course serves as a gateway into high-level empirical and conceptual investigation, preparing students directly for their final master's dissertations.

The pedagogical framework of this course, designed for hybrid teaching, is structured around three key stages: an entry phase consisting of a diagnostic baseline test, an active learning phase focusing on six comprehensive thematic units, and an exit phase that evaluates overall technical mastery. Learners will progress systematically through foundational concepts of scientific inquiry, qualitative versus quantitative paradigms, and specialised humanities modules (such as literary critical frameworks and media semiotics). By completing this curriculum, students will master advanced digital searching methods, source evaluation metrics, and strict academic formatting standards essential for independent graduate research.

Requirements

Course Staff

Staff Member #1: Dr. Zineb KHEMISSI

Course Staff Image # 1

Dr. Zineb KHEMISSI is a faculty instructor at the English Department, specialising in academic research design and methodology for postgraduate studies. Her work focuses on bridging foundational theoretical frameworks with advanced digital and empirical search strategies. Dr. KHEMISSI oversees the hybrid curriculum, hosts designated technical consultations, and guides Master’s students through the formal development of their final dissertation proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What web browser should I use?

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Question #2: How is this course evaluated and graded?

The course utilises a balanced evaluation structure split into two main parts: a formal final examination (60%) focusing on case studies and literature synthesis at the end of the semester and a continuous assessment score (40%). The continuous assessment grade is determined by automated online unit quizzes, the formal draft of your research proposal manuscript, your performance in project defences, and precise database querying during practical lab sessions.

What kind of academic support can I expect if I fall behind?

Students have access to multiple layers of support, including designated bi-weekly office hours with Dr. KHEMISSI (Sundays and Wednesdays, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and a collaborative open Q&A forum. Additionally, an integrated repository gives you direct access to successful models from the University of Algiers 2 Dissertations and Doctoral Theses Repository, institutional database access links (JSTOR, ResearchGate, and Project MUSE), and official step-by-step MLA citation guidelines.