Module overview
The dissertation is an extended piece of work of 10,000 words which results from independent research. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to explore a topic of particular interest to you in greater depth than is possible within the scope of a taught module. Your topic will be agreed with module tutors, and you will be allocated a supervisor.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- engage with critical debate through a sustained argument over an extended piece of work
- evaluate and critically assess previous work on the chosen subject
- where applicable, make connections between different critical methodologies and use interdisciplinary modes of approaching the subject
- demonstrate originality of thought and approach which moves beyond a simple synthesis of secondary materials
- analyse/synthesise secondary, as well as primary sources
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate specific, as well as general, research skills, such as information retrieval and library searches (which may include external libraries and archives)
- write a dissertation under deadline conditions which is logically structured, coherently argued, supported by a detailed bibliography and, where applicable, illustrations
- demonstrate an appropriate use of web-based research and general competence in using electronic research methods and data
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- relevant theoretical approaches applicable to your chosen area of study
- the topic you have selected in your chosen field of study
Syllabus
The dissertation is an extended piece of work, of 10,000 words, which results from the in-depth study of a topic in one of the three fields of study that constitute the Modern Languages curriculum (cultural and literary studies, linguistic studies, and social and political studies). It is equivalent to two single weighted modules, one in each semester.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The tutorial supervision provides you with guidance on methodology on structuring your research and your writing. In the early supervisions the methodology for investigation of the topic is agreed, as is the ground to be covered, and the structure of the finished dissertation is discussed. Later meetings require you to have prepared a section of the work, and this forms the basis of the supervision. You will be expected to demonstrate the research skills and the intellectual ability required by the project.
Teaching methods include
- research and independent study
- regular contact (email, skype, face to face) with your supervisor.(bank of hours applies total time 6 hours)
- The Dissertation is supported by a Research Skills module in Sem 2 which is structured around Dissertation-specific skills training in regular group meetings.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Revision | 294 |
Project supervision | 6 |
Total study time | 300 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Diligence and Initiative | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Diligence and Initiative | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External