SLL30200 Dissertation

Academic Year 2024/2025

In this module students will work closely with a supervisor on a sustained piece of academic research in a field related to the study of Modern Languages: culture, literature, film, intellectual history, ideas and theories. This module also provides students with the necessary training in research methods and skills for the completion of a final year dissertation, usually developing what has been learned in a previous module. It is a 10-credit core module for the European Studies pathway that takes place across both the autumn and spring trimesters. It will focus in particular on how to read secondary sources and compile an annotated bibliography, how to write a viable research proposal with achievable research questions, and ultimately students will write a 6,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choosing in close collaboration with a designated supervisor.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this module should be able to work independently on a sustained piece of academic work, be proficient in research methods in their chosen field, and be familiar with the guidelines for formatting and referencing academic work.

Indicative Module Content:

Autumn trimester:

Weeks 1-4

· Choose two research topics

· Draft a 500-word proposal for both topics

· Workshop 1: Formulating Research Questions

Week 5

· Approach module coordinator

· Be allocated Supervisor for subject area by module coordinator and decide which topic to pursue and begin to work on proposal.

Weeks 6-7

· Continue to work on project proposal with supervisor

· Workshop 2: Choosing your methodology

Week 8

· Research Project Proposal (one side of A4) – 15%

Weeks 9-11

· Formulate indicative Bibliography.

· Hone core reading. Draft chapter plan.

· Workshop 3: Reading Secondary Sources

Week 12

· Submission of annotated Bibliography - 15%

Spring trimester:

· At least four meetings with your allocated supervisor to discuss your progress

· Submission of completed Dissertation at the end of the trimester - 70%

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

4
Autonomous Student Learning

236
Project Supervision

10
Total

250
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will first and foremost require independent research. Students will be supported through regular meetings with their supervisor(s) and workshops on research skills. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Annotated Bibliography Week 12 Autumn Graded No

15

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Research Project Proposal Week 8 Autumn Graded No

15

 No
Thesis/Dissertation: 6000-word dissertation Week 15 Spring Graded No

70

 No

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?

Through close work with your supervisor(s), students will have the opportunity to discuss drafts of assignments before submission and get individually tailored feedback afterwards.