Unit information: Modern Languages and History Dissertation in 2020/21

Unit name	Modern Languages and History Dissertation
Unit code	MODL30025
Credit points	40
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Knight
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
School/department	School of Modern Languages
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The Dissertation is an exercise in extended independent research. Students are required to identify their own topic, informed by their engagement with the disciplines of Modern Languages and History. It is expected that students will utilise at least some sources in their language of study. Students will formulate questions to be asked, identify main primary sources, set the research questions in context of issues arising from the secondary literature, and carry through an analytical study to the highest standards. Guidance will be provided in the form of lectures on devising a research topic and using primary sources. Students will also be assigned a supervisor (from either the relevant language Department or the History Department, depending on the disciplinary orientation of the project) who will discuss with them a draft dissertation proposal and an introductory chapter, as well as the particular challenges of the chosen topic. Students will receive guidance from their supervisors in meetings, which should not normally exceed three hours in each teaching block. Students are also free to consult other lecturers with relevant expertise.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit successful students will be able to demonstrate:

1. A deep understanding of a chosen subject.
2. The ability to produce an extended piece of analysis in accordance with high scholarly standards.
3. Advanced proficiency in identifying and in forming their own questions.
4. Advanced bibliographical skills.
5. The ability to work with primary sources, demonstrating an awareness of the provenance and nature of those sources and how to draw reasoned and considered conclusions from them.
6. The ability to bring their critical analysis skills to bear to texts in a language other than English.
7. The ability to work almost entirely independently in producing an extended piece of research.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous sessions and asynchronous activities, including seminars, lectures, and collaborative as well as self-directed learning opportunities supported by tutor consultation

Assessment Information

10,000 word dissertation (100%). All intended learning outcomes identified above are assessed in this exercise.

Reading and References

Reading and references will depend on the topic chosen and the student will be responsible for assembling a bibliography which will include both primary and secondary sources. The student will be expected to show considerable initiative in devising the bibliography and will be encouraged, in appropriate contexts, to include a range of non-conventional sources (visual, film, electronic etc.) Students will be required to include bibliography in their language of study.