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

Undergraduate Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation CH/HNS

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation CH/HNS

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Tied 3 40 Available in 2016/2017 Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • Methods & Analysis (ANTH 2031)

Corequisites

  • One or more Final Honours modules in Anthropology.

Excluded Combinations

  • 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.

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

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • By the end of the module students will have:
  • Developed and researched a significant topic defined within the scope of anthropology and other subjects cognate to the programme of study, as appropriate.
  • Developed a deep knowledge of the specialist area selected capable of reasonably complete treatment within the given word limit.
Subject-specific Skills
  • 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.
Key Skills
  • 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
0
Seminars 4 2 per term in two first terms 1 hours 4
Tutorials 4 2 in first term and 2 in second term 1 hour 4
Dissertation Consultations to be arranged with supervisor 4
Preparation & Reading 388
Total 400

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Dissertation 100% Dissertation 12000 words maximum (excluding bibliography and appendices) 100%
0%

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is based on a Research Design (1-2 pages, early Michaelmas Term), Literature Review (approximately 3,000 words, late Michaelmas Term), a draft chapter (approximately 2,000 words, early Epiphany Term) and a full thesis draft (up to 12,000 words, late Epiphany Term).


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.