Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
define a literary or text-based research topic suitable for an 8,000-word dissertation;
demonstrate understanding and appropriate research skills in handling a range of primary and secondary material relevant to the topic;
demonstrate awareness of relevant contexts, both socio-cultural and theoretical, for the topic;
produce a piece of coherently argued writing, supported by appropriate scholarly apparatus, making a valid contribution to critical debate on the topic.

Content:

Students will define a topic of their choice in consultation with an appointed member of staff; formulate a proposal; conduct a detailed investigation of the topic, under the supervision of the appointed member of staff and complete a critical research report on the topic, appropriately presented and supported by scholarly apparatus.

The student has an opportunity to develop a specialist study of the works of a particular philosophical thinker or movement in its historical context, a trans-historical study of a social or political concept or institution, or to design a bespoke project that demonstrates clear relevance to the skills or content of the taught courses at Level 5 or 6.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The bulk of this module is guided independent study, where the student undertakes research and drafts the report. Individual supervision takes place in face-to-face meetings and e-mail communication and will include detailed feedback on draft material. The workshops include tutor input and question-and-answer sessions. Topics will often relate to one of the taught courses at Level 5 or 6.

Workshops
Hours: 3
Intended Group size: 15

Individual supervision
Hours: 6
Intended Group size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 391

Further details relating to assessment
Outline proposals (consisting of a provisional title, indicative reading list and brief account of methodology) will be submitted to the Humanities Department Ethics Committee for approval. There will be no marks attached to this and there will be no penalty for non-submission of formative exercises (see below), although students will be strongly advised that failure to engage in the process may lead to disappointing results.

Other relevant matters
Students will have ample opportunity for formative feedback from their supervisors, normally through the following exercises: detailed proposal, including bibliography and chapter plan; draft chapters; full draft.