Module EAST3202: DISSERTATION (40 CREDITS)

Department: East Asian Studies

EAST3202: DISSERTATION (40 CREDITS)

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To allow students to demonstrate control over an extended piece of independent research-based academic writing on a theme chosen in conjunction with their departmental supervisor.
• Students will complement their own learning with a greater awareness of the current pertinent body of academic work and define, with appropriate East Asian-related exemplification, how their research fits with the greater whole of academic study in their chosen field.
• The module will demonstrate progression from previous years' work in which the core body of academic writing and debate on East Asian history, society and culture, and literature will have been introduced.
• Students will also have developed basic essay-writing and research skills for their first-and-second-year essays (2000 words) and project (5000 words) work which can now be expanded into an extended independent piece.
• The use of Japanese- and/or Chinese-language sources is not a requirement, though an attempt to use a second-language source would be encouraged.

Content

• The double dissertation will enhance students' ability to work independently, to analyse and critique textual references through the application of appropriate theory and methodology, and to present conclusions as an extended piece of academic writing.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will be able to: Demonstrate a clear and definite knowledge of extant writing and debate surrounding their field.
• Know relevant theory and methodology.
• Display a focused understanding of one aspect of East Asia through independent research.
• Use extended written analysis and argument to demonstrate the connections between the above.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This mode is based upon independent student-led learning.
• During Epiphany and Easter Term of Year Two, the student will discuss potential topics with their Departmental tutor and then create a core bibliography and prepare a one-page outline for submission to the perspective supervisor for feedback to allow for preliminary research over the summer vacation.
• In the third year, students and supervisors meet regularly at mutually agreed times to discuss readings, preliminary conclusions and dissertation drafting.
• Students will also attend the dissertation workshop held in the Department which familiarises all DEAS students with Departmental dissertation criteria, writing styles and generic research techniques.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Dissertation workshop, Tutorials/Supervisions with Departmental supervisor.