Module ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation JH/CH/HNS

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation JH/CH/HNS

Prerequisites

• Methods & Analysis (ANTH 2031) OR for 2015-16 only, Biology, Culture & Society (ANTH 2021), Researching the Social (SOCI 2082), Social Research Methods (SOCI 2252), Developing Archaeological Research (ARCH 2181)

Corequisites

• One or more Final Honours modules in Anthropology.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any other 20 or 40 credit dissertation module.

Aims

• To significantly develop students' skills in independent research and project management by producing an extended dissertation (12,000 words) on a selected specialist topic that addresses a research question defined within the field of anthropology or within anthropology and the joint honours subject (where taken in the LF64 and LL36 programmes).

Content

• The student will undertake an extended piece of supervised independent research and investigate in depth the approved topic using an appropriate range of practical, laboratory and/or field techniques, producing a well-argued and presented dissertation report. Students will be encouraged to develop interdisciplinary approaches to the project

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have:
• Developed and researched a significant topic defined within the scope of the combined fields of anthropology and the joint honours subject.
• Developed a deep knowledge of the specialist area selected capable of reasonably complete treatment within the given word limit.

• Production of a detailed research-led dissertation, using a range of core practical and interpretative skills (including analytical, laboratory or field skills).
• Undertaking of research in and analysing the significant topic, applying the transferable skills listed below.

• Undertaking independent study and research.
• Effective negotiation (with Supervisor/Advisor)
• Development and execution of a programme of primary research, taking into account the potential for interdisciplinary approaches.
• Sampling, collection, recording and critical analysis of primary and secondary data as the result of accessing library, museum, archive and/or WWW resources.
• Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, results, interpretations and arguments written and visual form.
• Use of computer and/or information technology to produce a clearly expressed and illustrated dissertation.
• Time management and negotiation.

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

• This module is taught through self-guided learning supported by feedback.
• It is assessed through a written dissertation.
• Tutorials will focus on discussion and feedback between a tutor and student, in a relatively informal learning environment, enabling the student to enhance, discuss, question and receive feedback on their knowledge and to gain experience in oral communication.
• Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with tutorials and assignments; guided by lecturers, tutors and reading lists of specialist books, articles and web-sites.
• In the case of JH students (LF64 and LL36) spervision will be led by a Supervisor in Anthropology and supported by an Adviser in he JH department, where the apportionment of tutotials will be agreed depending on the topic (min 1 for Adviser)

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment is based on a Research Design (one page, Michaelmas Term, week 2). Literature Review (approximately 200 words, Michaelmas Term, week 8) and a draft chapter (approximately 3000 words, Epiphany Term, week 12)

■ 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