Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARAM082 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Professor Nahyan Fancy () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
This module is an independent research project resulting in a substantive paper that involves original collection or treatment of data and/or results. The module is designed to enable students to produce a paper of publishable quality. The MArabic dissertation, like a doctoral one, involves original research and exemplifies an original contribution to scholarship. Elements of the dissertation can include a comprehensive review and analysis of relevant literature, a research study design, the collection and analysis of data, and discussion of results, a synthesis and application of the literature on a topic, and/or the critical evaluation of empirical studies on the topic. The module involves mainly independent research done by the student and supervision and advice given by the dissertation supervisor.
Pre-requisite: ARA3196 Independent Research
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to allow you to build upon the methodological and field-specific foundations covered in your Independent Research module and other core and option modules. You will be expected to develop and demonstrate in your dissertation a mastery of relevant secondary sources; to relate the appropriate standard methodological approaches and theoretical issues to your specific area of research; to demonstrate the originality and relevance of your research to wider issues related to your specific field; and to demonstrate your familiarity with the accepted requirements and standards for presentation of research in your chosen field. In addition, the dissertation will allow you to develop the broader learning outcomes specified below.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate expert in-depth knowledge of a specialised subject area;
- 2. Collate and analyse subject-specific information from a range of appropriate sources;
- 3. Communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Present your research results in an appropriate form, respecting the appropriate norms and procedures of your respective field(s);
- 5. Demonstrate advanced analytical capacities and the ability to synthesize and present thoughtful and persuasive arguments relating to the discipline;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Identify, analyse and creatively approach issues in a systematic, detailed and accurate manner;
- 7. Structure and present effective, extended arguments and interpretations about complex topics; and
- 8. Relate your independent research to a wider range of methodological issues and approaches.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Independent, guided research and writing of the MArabic dissertation (maximum of 15,000 words) in consultation with an approved thesis supervisor(s).
- Completed MArabic dissertation of no more than 15,000 words on your research topic chosen in mutual agreement with your thesis supervisor.
- Submission of draft chapters to your supervisor for correction prior to final submission of the dissertation.
Assessment of the MArabic dissertation by the supervisor and a qualified second internal examiner will be based on the dissertation's fulfilment of the above-mentioned aims relevant to your particular field(s) of study (i.e. mastery of relevant sources, methods, theoretical issues, originality of research, and solidity of presentation), as well as appropriate conformity to all University and field-specific requirements for presentation and referencing in the particular field of the dissertation.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 593 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 4 | 4 x 1 hour supervision meetings |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 3 | 3 x 1 hour meetings to receive academic guidance, including specific feedback on draft work |
| Guided independent study | 143 | Preparing for and reflecting on supervision meetings |
| Guided Independent Study | 200 | Researching chosen topic from primary and secondary sources |
| Guided Independent Study | 100 | Writing and submitting drafts for supervisory feedback |
| Guided Independent Study | 150 | Completing final dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submission of draft work | 1 x draft plan (600 words approx.) 1 x draft chapter (1,200 words approx.) | 1-8 | Verbal and 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 | 15,000 words | 1-8 | Written feedback |
| 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 (15,000 words) | 1-8 | Determined in consultation with the supervisor usually the term following initial submission. |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Atkinson, P. A. (et al.) (2007) Handbook of Ethnography (Sage).
Brady, H. E. and Collier, D. (2004) Rethinking Social Inquiry: Diverse Tools, Shared Standards (Rowman and Littlefield).
Burnham, P.,Gilland, K., Grant, W. and Layton-Henry, Z.(2004) Research Methods in Politics (Palgrave MacMillan).
Burton, D. (ed) (2000) Research Training for Social Scientists (Sage).
Dunleavy, P. (2003) Authoring a PhD (Palgrave MacMillan).
Creswell, J. W. (2008) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (Sage).
DiYanni, R. (2007) Writing about the Humanities (Prentice Hall, 3rd ed.).
King, G., Keohane, R.O. and Verba, S. (1994) Designing Social Inquiry (Princeton University Press).
Silverman, D. (ed) (2004) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice (Sage).
Storey, W. K. (2008) Writing History. A Guide for Students (Oxford University Press, 3rd, ed.)
Turabian, K. (1996) A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations (University of Chicago Press).
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | ARA3196 Independent Research |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 30 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 30/03/14 |
| Last revision date | 26/05/2023 |
