Unit information: Dissertation in 2021/22

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. Koole
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]

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. AFAC30002).

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.