| 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. Koole |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Arts Faculty Office |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
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.
By the end of the unit students should have acquired the following:
Tuition will be given by a relevant member (or members in the case of co-supervision) of staff, in the form of general advice, bibliographical information and discussion of structure as well as detailed feedback on a significant section of the draft (e.g. the introduction or an important section). The amount of supervision will range between three and five hours. At the end of the previous year, while students are abroad, they will in consultation with the Programme Director devise a provisional subject of research and liaise with an appropriate member of academic staff (a potential supervisor) who can help refine the scope and identify initial reading for the summer. Two two-hour sessions on advanced research methods applicable to the humanities as a whole will be held for all students at the beginning of the year, and a library training session will also be arranged.
10,000 word research project.
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.
