Module MELA53560: Dissertation

Department: Modern Language and Cultures

MELA53560: Dissertation

Prerequisites

• MELA53730, MELA53630

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To allow students to explore in considerable detail an aspect of photographic theory, history, and/or practice.
• To enable students to conduct extensive individual research.
• To produce a piece of well-presented scholarly writing that demonstrates familiarity with a substantial body of historical knowledge, theoretical thought.

Content

• The precise content of the dissertation will depend on the students' particular preferences, and will be agreed in conjunction with the supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will have acquired a detailed understanding, based on primary research and secondary reading, of a defined topic in photography studies, and an understanding of the methodologies relevant to this chosen topic.

• Students will have developed the ability to design and complete a research project that engages in original research into some aspect of photography studies; to analyse primary and secondary source material; and to use such material to construct and present a coherent and scholarly argument.

• Students will have developed proficiency in writing and editing a sustained and substantial piece of academic work, and the ability to situate that work within a broader research context.

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

• The project will be discussed with the relevant supervisor well before research before the dissertation commences, to ensure that the project is of sufficient scope and realistic within the time-frame of a master's programme. The Research Methods and Resources module willl provide extensive guidance, and will partially be assessed on the basis of the students' dissertation project proposal.
• Regular supervision by a scholar actively engaged in research in visual culture will ensure that the plan of study is adhered to, whilst allowing scope for independent research. Students will be required to submit draft chapters as the dissertation progresses, and oral feedback will be given on these, Each supervision will conclude with agreed action points, to be carried out by the student in advance of the next supervision.
• The Research Methods and Resources module will provide guidance on the bibliographical skills necessary for the research and presentation of academic research papers.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ 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