Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module HIST51890: Dissertation for MA in Modern History

Department: History

HIST51890: Dissertation for MA in Modern History

Type Open Level 4 Credits 90 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap

Prerequisites

  • HIST50130 and two further postgraduate modules (totalling 60 credits).

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To advance student skills in historical analysis and writing relevant to their field of study by facilitating the completion of a dissertation of an approved subject that is based on extensive secondary reading and some use of primary source material.

Content

  • The dissertation will involve the detailed study of a particular historical problem which will be determined by the student and the supervisor under the direction of the Management Committee of the MA in Modern History.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Subject-specific Skills:
      Key Skills:

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

        • Individual students will be directed to an existing body of literature relevant to the subject under study, and advised on the potential primary sources that should be consulted. Regular meetings between student and supervisor will take place, both in the setting up of the dissertation topic and while the research and writing are taking place.

        Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

        Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
        Tutorials 5 fortnightly 1.5 7.5
        Other: Unscheduled meetings as requested by the student. Variable Variable Variable 10.5
        Preparation & Reading 882
        Total 900

        Summative Assessment

        Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
        Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
        Dissertation 20000 words 100%

        Formative Assessment:

        Discussion of work in progress.


        Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University