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English: Researching the Field
UndergraduateCUR-EDP4152026
Using a body of literature, investigate issues in language and literacy. Try to understand how the text may be more broadly understood through collaborative discussion. Evaluate English teaching theory and pedagogies for diverse communities.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 Mar 2026,
- 31 Aug 2026
- Price from
- $766
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
English: Researching the Field
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- design and implement systematic investigation of an aspect of English, in order extend knowledge in the subject for yourself and for your peers
- identify and synthesise findings of literature relevant to the aspect of English under investigation and critically discuss it, sharing your conclusions with your peers
- evaluate research studies in the subject and critically discuss their affordances and shortcomings
- analyse the aspect of English under investigation by applying relevant theory or theoretical models, or by generating new or hybrid theory, to explain the findings of your study.
- Preparing an investigation
- Sharing the Knowledge - research 'communities of practice' in English
- Investigating the Literature: purpose and scope
- Designing investigations
- Developing your reflective practice in English/literacy
This subject was previously known as The Literacy Researcher.
This subject begins by identifying key issues in English and engages a critical analysis of theories, pedagogies and philosophies associated with the teaching of language, literacy and literature. Individual students will select a key issue and conduct an investigation of relevant theories, pedagogies and philosophy. Individual investigations will be followed by collaborative discussion of findings with peers investigating the same issue, followed by critical analysis of thinking around the issue, culminating in the presentation of conclusions and recommendations for future practice/further research. This subject prepares students to be active participants in identifying effective programs and practice in the teaching of primary English in their future school/work context.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Research Proposal (10%)
- Literature Analysis (45%)
- Research Report (45%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- CUR-BED-DEG-2026 - Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
Elective
- CUR-FAST-DEG-2026 - Fast track your Curtin on campus study
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
one of
CUR-EDP333-English Pedagogies and the Integrated Curriculum (no longer available)
- CUR-EDPR3017-English: Extending Reading and Writing
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
7 student respondents between 26 May - 15 Dec 2025.
85%of students felt the study load was manageable
85%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
UndergraduateCUR-BED-DEG
Fast track your Curtin on campus study
UndergraduateCUR-FAST-DEG