Dissertation by Practice in Global Literatures and Cultures
| Module title | Dissertation by Practice in Global Literatures and Cultures |
|---|---|
| Module code | SMLM114 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 7 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
The Dissertation by Practice is the most substantial piece of work you will produce on your MA, and for many of you will be one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the course. It is your opportunity to research a topic of your own choosing, subject to approval by your supervisor(s), and to produce a sustained and original piece of independent practice-based work. You can either pursue a topic which falls within one of the disciplines covered by the MA in Global Literatures and Cultures, or you can take an interdisciplinary approach: for example, a practice-based project which crosses over Literature and History, or Art History and Visual Culture, Archaeology, Theology and Religion etc. Those of you who are thinking of going on to doctoral study can also use the Dissertation by Practice as a pilot project for your proposed PhD topic.
You will also produce a portfolio of critical reflection on aspects of the process and outcome which will form 30% of your summative assessment.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module allows you to:
- pursue an individual programme of research on a topic chosen by you and approved by your supervisor and the programme director. It aims to develop your skills at independent research at a high scholarly level. As well as choosing and researching a topic, you will be asked to demonstrate the significance and originality of this topic within the research field; to use an appropriate range of primary and secondary resources; and to use appropriate methodologies and theoretical approaches to set this topic in its literary, historical, cultural and other relevant contexts.
- demonstrate your abilities to analyse, synthesise, and present cogent arguments in accordance with the academic parameters of a dissertation by practice, and to use proper systems of referencing, citation and bibliography where appropriate .
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Display an advanced knowledge of a discipline or disciplines within Global Literatures and Cultures
- 2. Review and engage with previous research into both the subject matter of the dissertation and the specialist field to which it relates.
- 3. Identify a suitable topic of research and produce a plan for its execution.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Assimilate and critically analyse primary and published sources.
- 5. Present a clearly structured, logically argued/presented and well-prepared exhibition/performance with supporting documents/practice work appropriate to the discipline chosen.
- 6. Produce a piece of original research that demonstrates attention to concepts, to detail, and to argument.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Demonstrate independent work that engages with core aspects of a higher degree course.
- 8. Write fluently and cogently within word and time limits.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- In terms 1 and 2, seminars on the core modules (Global Early Modern and Global Modernisms) introduce you to the requirements and scope of the dissertation and to the sources and methods associated with research. The content of these will vary depending on tutor availability and student choice but may include Official Records; Visual Sources and Performance; Local and Family Records; and Pre-Modern/Modern Libraries and Texts.
- Towards the middle of term 2 and in term 3, allocated dissertation supervisors provide individual tutorials giving specific advice on the research topic and the preparation of the practice-based work/production of the exhibition or performance
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 594 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 6 | Individual supervision |
| Guided independent study | 594 | Research and preparation of performance/exhibition |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading of detailed plan of the practice-based work/performance/exhibition | 1-3 sides of A4 | 1-8 | Written and oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice-based work or Performance/Exhibition | 70 | Performance of 60 minutes or an exhibition or other practice-based work plus a Portfolio of 5000 words | 1-8 | Written and oral |
| Critical reflection essay | 30 | 5000 words | 1-8 | Written and oral |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice-based work/performance/exhibition | Practice-based work/performance/exhibition | 1-8 | Referral/deferral period |
| Critical Reflection | Critical Reflection | 1-8 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
The reading list will depend on the topic chosen for the individual dissertation.
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/06/2017 |
| Last revision date | 17/07/2019 |