This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module EDUC3211: DISSERTATION

Department: Education

EDUC3211: DISSERTATION

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	3	20	Available in 2009/2010	None.	Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

Educational Research Methods (EDUC2301).

Corequisites

Philosophy of Knowledge, Curriculum and Assessment (EDUC3281).

Excluded Combinations

Dissertation in joint subject.

Aims

To allow students to undertake an in-depth study of a chosen topic within Educational Studies.
A level 3 module that draws upon the Research Methods module in Year 2 and, variously, modules studied Years 1 and 2 and in parallel in Year 3.

Content

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: an ability to understand theoretical knowledge and research evidence in a chosen topics within Education Studies.
the ability to construct and sustain reasoned argument about an educational issue in clear, lucid and coherent manner.
the capacity for sustained independent study.

Subject-specific Skills

think critically and independently.
analyse, synthesise, evaluate and identify problems and solutions.
constructt and sustain a reasoned argument
interpret and present relevant numerical information
improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills, information retrieval and a capacity to plan and manage learning and to reflect on their own learning
use ICT and a variety of library resources.

Key Skills

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

The independent study is supported by individual supervision.
This allows appropriate guidance to be given.
the assessment is by submission of an 8,000 word dissertation.
This assesses knowledge and understanding of the theoretical perspectives, formulation of questions and research ability, capacity for critical and independent thought, ability to construct a sustained argument and other key skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Lectures	2	Termly for two terms	1 hour	2	Yes
Tutorials	6	When required		4	Yes
Preparation and Reading				194
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Dissertation	100%	Dissertation		100%

Formative Assessment

Through written feedback at four stages of development: Written proposal; Work completed by end of November in Term 1, Work completed by mid February in Term 2, Work completed by - two/three weeks before submission date.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.