Third Year Module
Module Leader: Dr Louise Carter
Module Contributors: Dr Harvey Osborne; Dr Cathryn Pearce: Dr Edward Packard; Dr Rachel Duffett, Vivienne Aldous and Dr John Greenacre
Rationale and Content:
The third-year history dissertation module offers students to opportunity to undertake a piece of research on a topic of their own choosing, though under the general supervision of a member of staff. It should not be seen as an extended essay, but neither should it be seen as a PhD thesis or a book. In most instances it will be a small but detailed piece of primary research into a particular historical issue or topic, approximately 10,000 words in length. An argument based on the evaluation of primary sources, positioned and contextualised within existing historiography, and clearly focused on establishing and answering a clear and specific question. Alternatively, it can be an in-depth and expansive review of the historiography on a particular topic, focusing on how and why historical argument about a specific subject has evolved over a set period of time. The dissertation module provides students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained at levels one and two in designing and carrying out a significant piece of original historical research on a clearly defined historical topic, and to demonstrate their command of the practices of historical evaluation, analysis, synthesis and argument.
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
In the first semester this module will be delivered through weekly workshops focusing on the skills and approaches applicable to planning, organising and completing an independent research project. In semester two delivery will mainly focus on one-to-one supervisions with an appointed staff supervisor.
Assessment:
|
Module
|
Mode
|
Weighting %
|
Length
|
Submission date
|
|
Dissertation
|
Dissertation – Individual Research Project
Defined Task
|
90
10
|
10,000 words
20 minutes oral presentation or 1500 words equivalent
|
Week 12 (Sem 2)
Week 13 (Sem 2)
|
Recommended introductory reading:
Reading for this module will vary according to the topic selected by individual students.