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ARCV40200

Academic Year 2024/2025

Dissertation (ARCV40200)

Subject:
Archivistics
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
History
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
30
Module Coordinator:
Dr Elizabeth Mullins
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 5
Spring 5
Summer 20
Trimester:
Year-long (12 months)
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The ability to understand and carry out archival research is an important element of the work of the professional archivist. This module introduces students to the nature of research in recordkeeping. It explores the history of research in the discipline, provides an overview of different ways of conducting research and addresses the ethical implication of research practice. The module demonstrates the value of research skills not just to contribute to the profession in terms of of writing publications but also in the everyday work of the archivist where these skills can be used in a more applied way in the workplace to conduct interviews, gather survey data and measure impact. The module consists of a number of taught seminars at intervals throughout the two teaching semesters which support the development of an independent research topic for a dissertation.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate familiarity with contemporary archival research trends and literature.
Demonstrate an understanding of research design by the formulation of a valid research question and the selection of approrpriate research methods to investigate this.
Appreciate the significance of ethics in the context of carrying out research.
Gather research data in line with the method selected and attempt a critical analysis of this.
Present a professional piece of research.

Indicative Module Content:

This module consists of a number of research seminars at roughly three week intervals spread over the course of the two teaching semesters. The following areas are covered.
Seminar 1: Introduction to archival research
Seminar 2: Thinking about research design
Seminar 3: Research Methods
Seminar 4: Research Methods
Seminar 5: Conducting Ethical Research
Seminar 6: Analysing Data
Seminar 7: Research in Practice - research as part of professional development
Seminar 8: Next steps: Preparing for the Dissertation
Research seminars are supported by meetings with staff to faciliate the development of thesis.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

600
Total

600

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The taught components of this module use case studies, presentations and visits by guest speakers support studnet learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Dissertation (Archives) (HIS40200)


 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Thesis/Dissertation: Students complete a 10,000 word thesis in the field of archives and records management. Week 10 Summer Graded Yes

100

 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are given written feedback by supervisors on draft chapters. Students also meet supervisors for one to one meetings either in person or online during the course of the dissertation process from the proposal to final draft stage. Final grades are communicated by supervisors to students in written form along with individual feedback via Brightspace. Students can avail of an individual feedback meeting on request after the thesis has been graded.

Name Role
Dr Julie Brooks Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Michael Reilly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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