Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | ANTM904 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Jessica Groling (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
The dissertation module provides you with an opportunity to devise and develop an original research project of your choosing. Focussing on a particular aspect of anthrozoology, and conducting your own independent research (either archival/library based, or incorporating empirical data). You will be able to consolidate much of what you have learnt throughout the taught element of the programme, whilst exploring and developing key areas of interest. You can use the dissertation strategically, to investigate a topic which may well open up career opportunities (for example, by conducting a study on behalf of an organisation) or to explore an aspect of anthrozoology which you have found fascinating and would like to know more about. Because the field of anthrozoology is still in its infancy, there is plenty of scope for your dissertation to add original data and analysis and contribute to our growing understanding of the human-nonhuman bond.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to pursue an individual programme of research, applying appropriate research methodologies and drawing on appropriate materials, to a topic approved by the programme director and under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of anthrozoological scholarship, theory and methods;
- 2. design an individual programme of anthrozoological research which identifies a cogent and realistic research question and utilises appropriate research methods to acquire data from a range of relevant sources;
- 3. undertake an original, coherent individual research project which makes a valuable contribution to anthrozoological scholarship.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of anthrozoological sources;
- 5. apply appropriate theoretical models in the analysis of your data;
- 6. develop a cogent argument and communicate complex information and ideas effectively, conforming to appropriate scholarly standards of referencing;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. effectively use IT for information retrieval and presentation.
- 8. manage your own work and take responsibility for the successful completion of the research project.
Syllabus plan
One student-led workshop on 'Dissertation research and writing' as well as students' own research proposals with the opportunity for peer review.
Four hours of supervision meetings: one to initiate the dissertation followed by three (or more, shorter) meetings to give academic guidance including specific feedback on draft work.
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 & Teaching activities | 2 | 1 x 2 hour student-led workshop |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 4 | 4 x 1 hour individual supervision meetings with supervisor |
| Guided Independent Study | 594 | Research and writing up of ethics application and dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation in student-led workshops | 2 hours | 6, 7 | Verbal feedback from supervisor and peers |
| Dissertation proposal | 500 words | 2, 6 | Written |
| Ethics application form | 1,000 words | 2 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | 13,500 words | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Written and oral (during supervisory sessions) |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Dissertation (13,500 words) | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | January of the following academic year |
Re-assessment notes
Students must have completed formative assessments before being allowed to submit summative reassessment. If students have successfully completed formative assessments but failed the summative assessments, they only need to be re-assessed on the summative component/s.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Dependent on student's choice of topic.
Burton, D. (ed.) 2000. Research Training for Social Scientists: A Handbook for Postgraduate Researchers. London: Sage.
Knight, S. & Herzog, H. 2009. New Perspectives on Human-animal Interactions: Theory, Policy and Research. Journal of Social Issues. 65 (3).
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Anthrozoos (http://www.bergpublishers.com/?TabId=519)
Humanimalia (http://www.depauw.edu/humanimalia/)
Society & Animals (http://www.societyandanimalsforum.org/sa/index.html)
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | May 2012 |
| Last revision date | 10/05/2022 |
