Dissertation in Food Studies
| Module title | Dissertation in Food Studies |
|---|---|
| Module code | SSIM909 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Celia Plender () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
For the dissertation, you will conduct independent research under the supervision of a member of academic staff. You may work on a theme of your own choosing, whether drawn from a core or optional module or of your own development, so long as the theme fits within the scope of the course and is agreed upon by your supervisor. Your dissertation may focus on a debate within an existing body of literature or within the public sphere, or it may involve fieldwork, but in any case, you will pose original questions, identify and utilize relevant resources, present findings, and offer analysis in the form of a 15,000 word piece of work.
To undertake this module you must have been admitted onto the MA in Food Studies, and must also take: Food and Agriculture in Historical Perspective; Food, Body and Society; and Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks, and Ethical Consumption
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 convener 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 in-depth knowledge of a chosen topic or issue in the field of food studies
- 2. Contribute original ideas to a discussion or debate in the field of food studies
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Convincingly demonstrate the place of chosen topic or issue within the broader field of food studies
- 4. Convincingly apply expertise in chosen area of study to order to engage with broader discussion and debate in the field of food studies
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Develop and conduct programme of original research, using appropriate theoretical framework and methodologies
- 6. Articulate clear arguments and demonstrate their relevance
Syllabus plan
The module will begin with convener-led workshops on: developing a research question; the use of bibliographic resources and the identification of other sources; research methods; and research ethics. Following each of these workshops, you will meet individually with your dissertation supervisor to discuss the theme in relation to your own research.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 592 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 4 | 2 x 2-hour dissertation workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 4 | 4 x 1-hour Individual supervision sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | 592 | Research and writing of dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal and bibliography | 1,000 words | 1-6 | Written and oral 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | 15,000 words | 1-6 | Written comments to accompany mark; oral feedback upon request |
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 (15,000 words) | 1-6 | case by case basis |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
To be identified by student with feedback from supervisor
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | Food, Body and Society; Food and Agriculture in Historical Perspective; and Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks, and Ethical Consumption |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 23/01/2018 |
| Last revision date | 24/02/2022 |
