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Archaeological Dissertation

Module description

In this module you will research independently a topic of your choice in the field of Archaeology and write up your research in a dissertation. You will start preparing for your dissertation during the second term of year 2, deciding on an appropriate topic which must be approved by your dissertation supervisor. 

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module will develop the ability to define a field of enquiry, undertake a sustained period of research into it and produce a dissertation upon it. It will encourage the application of knowledge, principles, skills of enquiry and (where appropriate) illustrative skills. It will develop the ability critically to evaluate the issues relating to the subject area.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Critically analyse and deploy primary archaeological data and acquire a detailed knowledge of the subject area under investigation
• 2. Prepare and deploy appropriate illustrative material
• 3. Know the chronological and methodological frameworks of the research area and use related conventions in their correct contexts

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. Ability to undertake a sustained enquiry
• 5. Deploy bibliographical skills
• 6. Evaluate conflicting opinions

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 7. Devise, implement and keep to a work schedule
• 8. Produce a substantial written report, using appropriate illustrations

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:

• Introduction to dissertations (early in term2 of stage 2). Dissertation Handbook issued.
• Consultation with potential supervisor to define topic (during  term 2 of stage 2).
• Submission of Dissertation Proposal Form: by week 11 of term 2
• Early October: meeting with supervisor to discuss progress made during vacation.
• Further meetings with supervisor: late November/early December; late January/early February; March.
• Research skills training session will be provided during the third year. Attendance at these is voluntary, with students strongly encouraged to attend the sessions which are relevant for their specific dissertation topic.
• Dissertations are regarded as examinable components and as such, feedback will not be available until after the exam board has met.

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

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

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 40%) 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 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Baxter, l., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (1996): How to Research.
• Buckingham: Open University Press. Bell, J. (1993): Doing your Research Project. Buckingham: Open University Press.
• Creswell, J.W. (1994): Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. London: Sage.
• Parsons, J. & Knight, P.G. (1995): How to do tour Dissertation in Geography and Related disciplines. London: Chapman & Hall.
• Rudestam, K.E. & Newton, R.R. (1992): Surviving your Dissertation. London: Sage.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11100

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Departmental collection of examples of dissertations.