VICM3016 - Dissertation

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 draw on a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, to identify challenging questions in a particular area of Victorian Studies;
2 plan a schedule of work that will enable them to engage critically and rigorously with the questions they have identified;
3 compile a bibliography of the primary sources and high-level secondary sources necessary for investigating their chosen topic, including work at the forefront of the discipline;
4 demonstrate advanced understanding of the historiography or theoretical literature concerning their chosen topic and the ability to critically assess the validity of the competing interpretations these present;
5 demonstrate critical understanding of the sources utilized;
6 demonstrate self-direction and critical independence in a sophisticated extended argument that synthesizes this research in a 12–15,000-word dissertation.

Content:

Individual students will negotiate topics with the Director of the MA who will allocate them an appropriate tutor. In consultation with this tutor the student will produce an outline research proposal that will include:
i) a suitable title and research question;
ii) a review of the relevant secondary literature;
iii) an assessment of the original sources that are to be used in researching the topic;
iv) detail of the research methodology to be employed, including a short commentary on the form of any databases to be set up as part of the research process;
v) a full bibliography of relevant primary and secondary literature. After this outline proposal has been accepted by the external examiner, students will proceed to producing the report.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Individual supervision, to include: discussions to set up the project (2 hours); research support (1 hour); discussion of draft and revisions (3 hours). Supervision will take place through a combination of different methods (e.g. face-to-face discussions, e-mail consultations, telephone conversations) as appropriate to the student and the project.
The group session will be an opportunity for all students currently engaged in writing reports or dissertations to present their proposed topics to one another, facilitated by a member of staff.

Individual supervision
Contact hours: 6 per student
Intended Group size: 1

Group Session
1 x 2 hours

Assessment: