Unit information: Dissertation in 2020/21

Unit name	Dissertation
Unit code	AFAC30002
Credit points	40
Level of study	H/6
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 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 interdisciplinary and/or engaged approach to learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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

1. Articulate a deep understanding of a chosen subject
2. Demonstrate enhanced research skills through the production of an extended piece of independent research in accordance high scholarly standards
3. Form research questions
4. Apply advanced skills of argumentation and communication
5. Employ interdisciplinary approaches to the topic of the dissertation
6. Compile their own bibliography
7. Use both secondary and primary resources to draw reasoned and considered conclusions from them

Teaching Information

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

Assessment Information

10,000 word project (100%) [ILOs 1-7]

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.