Unit information: Dissertation in 2020/21

Unit name	Dissertation
Unit code	AFACM0006
Credit points	40
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Skinazi
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Arts Faculty Office
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The Dissertation is an exercise in extended independent research. Students are required to identify their own research topic, formulate the particular research questions to be addressed, identify the main primary sources to be used, set the research questions in the context of the issues arising from the secondary literature, and execute a scholarly and analytical text to high scholarly standards consistent with this level of study. The dissertation should show systematic knowledge, originality in the application of knowledge, a critical awareness of current issues and a comprehensive understanding of applicable research techniques. The research should be informed by work at the forefront of its topic which will be critically evaluated. It should in its choice of topic and/or execution of its research draw imaginatively upon a range of units taken in the Liberal Arts course, giving evidence of an academic approach informed by interdisciplinarity and/or engagement with contemporary issues and contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Articulate an advanced and systematic understanding of a chosen subject
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the issues and debates at the forefront of their subject
3. Apply a comprehensive understanding of research techniques applicable to their subject
4. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of their subject enabling critical evaluation of current research and methodologies, and the proposal of new hypotheses
5. Analyse complex data systematically and creatively and communicate the results of this analysis clearly

Teaching Information

Teaching will involve a combination of briefing seminars, peer review activities, library support, and four hours of one-to-one supervision.  There will be opportunities for supervisor and peer feedback.

Assessment Information

10,000 word research project (100%) [ILOs 1-5]

Reading and References

Bibliographical references will depend on the topic chosen and the student will be responsible (in consultation with an appointed supervisor) for assembling a bibliography which will include relevant primary and secondary sources.