Skip to main content

Study information

Anthropology Dissertation

Module titleAnthropology Dissertation
Module codeANT3040
Academic year2024/5
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Angela Cassidy (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

60

Module description

The aim of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to display your abilities in the collection, organization, analysis and communication of original research material. With help and guidance from members of the academic staff, you will develop an appropriate research question, which you will pursue in independent research (this can be empirical or library based research). In addition to consolidating your research skills, you will gain in-depth knowledge of a particular topic corresponding to your personal interests. This is a unique opportunity to carry out a major piece of independent research and to explore and present anthropological arguments in relation to empirical data gained through library research and/or fieldwork.

 

In order to take this module you should have gained good knowledge of theoretical and methodological issues in anthropology acquired through participation in Year 1 and Year 2 anthropology core modules.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will be comprised of independent research and supportive seminars in which you can present and discuss your research with peers and members of staff. You will gain strong research and presentation skills in addition to specific knowledge on a chosen topic. You will develop and present a major piece of academic writing grounded in empirical research, which will be invaluable in any professional environment where research skills are required.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. display an ability to apply anthropological methods and concepts of analysis to independently researched material;
  • 2. display in depth understanding of the field/issues which form the subject matter of the dissertation;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. display comprehensive knowledge of relevant anthropological literature;
  • 4. demonstrate a general understanding of key debates in anthropological theory;
  • 5. collect, analyse and present original research material with reference to appropriate anthropological approaches and theories;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. select, digest and organise material collected in independent research;
  • 7. manage and organize the different phases of the research project from conception to final presentation;
  • 8. prepare a substantive written presentation of the material and arguments.

Syllabus plan

An introductory seminar will outline the process of writing the dissertation, expectations regarding standards of argument and research, and formal requirements. It will also provide guidance as to how to find a viable topic. You will then be assigned to thematic study groups convened by the module leader and guided by another member of staff acting as expert advisor. You will produce an initial plan and literature list in the first month of the semester and a full first draft by the first month of the second semester. Both items will be posted on ELE and you are expected to contribute to your study group's ELE blog. In the two study group meetings, you will present on your work in progress and receive feedback from the expert advisor. You will be assigned another student on whose work in progress you are expected to comment.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
112890

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity 2 hoursSupervision meetings with module leader and expert advisor
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity2 hoursIntroductory seminar will outline the process of writing the dissertation, expectations regarding standards of argument and research, and formal requirements. It will also provide guidance as to how to find a viable topic.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity5 hoursStudy Groups. Students will then be assigned to thematic study groups convened by the module leader and guided by another member of staff acting as expert advisor. In the two study group meetings, students will present on their work in progress and receive feedback from the expert advisor. Each student will be assigned another student on whose work in progress they are expected to comment
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity2 hoursLibrary session
Guided independent study120 hoursDissertation research and production of first draft of dissertation.
Guided independent study11 hoursPreparing presentations of research-in-progress for study group meetings
Guided independent study120 hours Completion of final dissertation
Guided independent study40 hoursInitial dissertation title, plan and literature list

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Initial dissertation plan and bibliography1500 words1,4,5,6Written
A first draft of the dissertationVariable with the aim to submit as complete a draft as possible 1-6Written
2 presentations of work in progress (one per term)5-10 mins each in the context of the seminars1, 2, 6Oral

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Final dissertation (integrating the dissertation plan, first draft, and bibliography)1009,000 words1-8Written
0
0
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
DissertationDissertation (9,000 words)1-8August/September assessment period

Re-assessment notes

Any dissertation plan and bibliography as well as dissertation for which extension has been granted will be assessed in the same way as a dissertation submitted to the original deadline.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Resource books on dissertation preparation:

Brett-Davies, M. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project. Palgrave

Robson, C. (2007) How to Do a Research Project: A Guide for Undergraduate Students. Blackwell

Smith, K., Todd, M. & Waldman, J. (2009) Doing Your Undergraduate Social Science Dissertation. Routledge

Plus other material dependent on choice of topic and in consultation with supervisor.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

 ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Anthropology, research methods, dissertation

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

06/03/2012

Last revision date

07/12/2021