ENG6714 - Dissertation

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 knowledge and understanding of such contexts, socio-cultural and/or theoretical, as are relevant to 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 dissertation on the topic, appropriately presented and supported by scholarly apparatus. The topic may be, for example, a specialist study of the works of a particular writer, or an examination of a group of related writings.

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.

Workshops
Contact hours: 3
Intended Group size: 30

Individual supervision
Contact hours: 7

Guided independent study
Hours: 390

Further details relating to assessment
Students will have the opportunity for formative feedback (see below). There will be no marks attached to this and there will be no penalty for non-submission of formative exercises, although students will be strongly advised that failure to engage in the process may lead to disappointing results.

English Dissertations are normally covered by a blanket approval for this module granted by the Ethics Committee. However, if supervisors believe that a dissertation topic includes research that would need ethical approval, they should discuss this with the student and with the Module Co-ordinator at the earliest opportunity, and if need be submit a proposal to the Ethics Committee for specific approval.

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.

Assessment:

001 Dissertation; 8,000 words; end of semester 2 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Juliette Taylor-Batty
Level - 6
Credit Value - 40
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

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