Unit name | Modern Languages and History Dissertation |
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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 |
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.
By the end of the unit successful students will be able to demonstrate:
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
10,000 word dissertation (100%). All intended learning outcomes identified above are assessed in this exercise.
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.