Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module ARAB40160: DISSERTATION

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Arabic)

ARAB40160: DISSERTATION

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Available in 2016/17
Tied to T6L007

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Translation Project.

Aims

  • The dissertation should be a theoretical/applied linguistics study relating to a topic within the field of Arabic/English translation, translation theory, contrastive linguistics or stylistics, terminology, or lexicology, the aim being to develop independent research skills and help students deepen their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Content

  • The topic of the dissertation is to be decided in consultation between the student and the dissertation supervisor, according to the student's research interests and ability, and the expertise of the supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will develop and demonstrate his/her knowledge of the topic and of the research methodologies appropriate to the material and topic.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to deal with the chosen topic in a sophisticated way, to develop an appropriate methodology (and thus show an understand and grasp of existing methodologies), to effectively use relevant literature, and to plan a substantial research project.
Key Skills:
  • effective time management
  • effective use of libraries and IT resources;
  • the ability to engage in indepentent research and learning;
  • the ability to express their research results in a clear academic-level writing.

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

  • The summative assessment for the module is by 12,000 - 15,000 word dissertation, written in English.
  • Every student is assigned a supervisor, who will provide individualized feedback on the work submitted by the student. The supervision meetings involve detailed discussions between the supervisor and the student, with the former providing relevant guidance regarding resources and methodologies that may usefully be employed, and the way in which the topic and arguments are being developed and presented by the student.
  • The supervisor and student meet according to a pattern agreed between them, with a minimum of five one-hour face-to-face sessions.
  • The word limit of 12,000 - 15,000 words includes footnotes, appendices, etc., but excludes the bibliography.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 5 as agreed 1 hour 5
Preparation and Reading 595
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 15,000 100%

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