Unit information: Dissertation in 2021/22

Unit name	Dissertation
Unit code	CLAS32315
Credit points	40
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Lampe
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Classics & Ancient History
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of this unit is to support students to produce a high-quality research-based dissertation that represents their own work. The unit is designed to allow students to identify a topic or research question which interests them, follow that interest through independently by studying extensively and over a sustained period this topic, and to develop their skills in detailed, self-motivated independent research. Students undertake supervised research to produce a written project of up to 10,000 words.

Students work with a supervisor to identify research questions or concerns, to determine appropriate research methods, formulate their argument and structure a dissertation. This offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their command of academic research and writing skills on a large-scale project, and to develop skills transferable for other working environments, as well as for postgraduate study in a variety of disciplinary and vocational areas.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. a deep understanding of a chosen subject
2. high-level research skills through the production an extended piece of independent research in accordance with high scholarly standards
3. proficiency in forming their own research questions
4. advanced skills of argumentation and communication
5. skills in compiling an academic bibliography
6. the ability to work with both secondary and primary resources and to draw reasoned and considered conclusions from them

Teaching Information

This unit will involve a combination of independent work, some group workshops, and individual supervisions.

Assessment Information

10,000 word dissertation (100%)

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CLAS32315).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.