Unit information: Dissertation (Liberal Arts) in 2020/21

Unit name	Dissertation (Liberal Arts)
Unit code	HUMS30008
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Koole
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Humanities
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

On completion of this unit, a successful student will be able to:

1. Articulate a deep understanding of a chosen subject
2. Use primary and secondary sources to produce an extended piece of independent research in accordance with high scholarly standards
3. Apply advanced skills of argumentation and communication
4. Employ interdisciplinary approaches to the topic of the dissertation
5. Compile their own bibliography

Teaching Information

Fortnightly seminars – as follows:

1 x one-hour briefing seminar (unit convenor)

1 x one-hour library seminar (librarian)

3 x one-hour seminars (unit convenor) - which will include a mid-point review exercise

2 hours of supervision per student (supervisor)

PLUS:

• The opportunity to access consultation with academic staff during their consultation hours
• Opportunity to take part in events we arrange for those taking 40-credit dissertation, which could include poster competitions, supervised writing retreats, roundtable seminars as part of the Liberal Arts seminar series, etc.

Assessment Information

One 6,000-word summative dissertation (100%). [ILOs 1-5]

Students are able to submit a short writing sample (of up to 1000 words max.) and receive feedback on this.

Reading and References

.