TRS6004 - Theology Dissertation

Objectives:

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

1 define a religious studies research topic suitable for a 10,000-word essay
2 demonstrate understanding and appropriate research skills (including use of both library and internet resources) in handling a range of primary and secondary material relevant to the topic
3 demonstrate critical awareness and understanding of the concepts of religious studies and the issues arising from discussion of the topic
4 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 the Theology and Religious Studies teaching staff; formulate a proposal; conduct a detailed investigation of the topic, under the supervision of the appointed member of staff; and complete a critical essay on the topic, appropriately presented and supported by scholarly apparatus.

Learning and Teaching Information:

During Semester 1 and 2 there will be four one-hour workshops for the whole group on how to carry out research, prepare a research proposal, and write a long essay. After that there will be a number of short supervisions leading to a discussion of the draft essay.

(eg lectures, seminars, tutorial, workshop) Total student contact hours Number of groups Workshops
Contact hours: 4

Supervisions
Contant hours: 6

It is an essential requirement of the module that students submit a 500-word proposal, outlining the topic and scope of the dissertation, before the end of Semester 1, and obtain a pass mark for this. The proposal will be marked on a pass / fail basis only. Students who do not fulfill this requirement will not be permitted to complete assessment for the module.

Assessment: