Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOC3040 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Angela Cassidy (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
The object of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to display your abilities in the collection, handling and ordering of material, and to be an exercise in the communication of ideas, appropriate to research topics chosen, with help and guidance from members of the academic staff, by themselves. The aims are to afford you the opportunity to obtain a good knowledge of the issues that pertain to your dissertation topics. It will also develop your ability to explore and present sociological arguments in relation to empirical data provided by library research and/or fieldwork, where the latter is undertaken. If you are enrolled on a Q-Step programme you will be required to undertake a quantitative dissertation.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. display an ability to apply sociological 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 sociological literature;
- 4. demonstrate a general understanding of key debates in sociological theory;
- 5. collect, analyse and present original research material with reference to appropriate sociological 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 meet individually with the module leader to agree a 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 Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 289 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 2 | Supervision meetings with module leader and expert advisor |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 2 | 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. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 5 | Study 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 activity | 2 | Library session |
| Guided independent study | 120 | Dissertation research and production of first draft of dissertation. |
| Guided independent study | 11 | Preparing presentations of research-in-progress for study group meetings |
| Guided independent study | 120 | Completion of final dissertation |
| Guided independent study | 40 | Initial dissertation title, plan and literature list |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial dissertation plan and reading list | 1,500 words | 1,4,6 | Written feedback |
| Presentation of work-in-progress Term 1 | 5 minutes | 1,2,3,4,6 | Verbal feedback |
| Presentation of work-in-progress Term 2 | 5 minutes | 1,2,3,4,6 | Verbal feedback |
| First draft of dissertation | Variable with the aim to submit as complete a draft as possible | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | Written feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final dissertation (integrating the dissertation plan, first draft, and bibliography) | 100 | 9,000 words | 1-6 | Written feedback |
| 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 (9,000 words) | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Where you have been referred/deferred for your written assignment, you will have the opportunity to submit new assignment in the August/September reassessment period.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Indicative Basic Reading List
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/
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2002 |
| Last revision date | 11/11/2021 |
