Module ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation CH/HNS

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation CH/HNS

Prerequisites

• Methods & Analysis (ANTH2031) OR Doing Anthropological Research (ANTH1NEW) or an equivalent methods module from another department.

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.

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.
• Students are encouraged to gather their own data or conduct their own observations. However, disciplinary conventions and other constraints may render it appropriate for students to rely on library-based research. Students choosing this option should do so in consultation with their supervisor and justify it within the dissertation script.

Learning Outcomes

• 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.

• 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

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).

■ 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