Module THEO45860: Dissertation in Catholic Theology

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO45860: Dissertation in Catholic Theology

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Not with THEO53160

Aims

• To enable students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject in the field of Catholic Theology; to advance their skills in the research, analysis and synthesis of texts/data, ideas and arguments, through the writing of an academic dissertation

Content

• The module consists in researching and writing a dissertation on a particular subject in the field of Catholic Theology. The Programme Director and appropriate supervisors will guide students in the choice of their subjects, the refinement of titles and research schedules, and the use of appropriate academic styles. Guidance will also be provided to students through structured online materials refreshing and further developing some of the research methods introduced in the Core module, Catholic Theology: A preliminary Tour. Students will normally submit the completed dissertation in early September.

Learning Outcomes

• By the conclusion of the module, students should possess a detailed understanding of their particular subject, based on the study of relevant sources.

• By the conclusion of the module, students should
 be able to identify a viable research topic, construct and implement a coherent research programme, and present their work in a readable and properly referenced dissertation.

• By the conclusion of the module, students should have acquired advanced research skills, including the ability to locate, summarise and evaluate key sources, both in print and online, and be able to cite them in a professional and academic manner; they should have advanced communication skills, including the ability to construct well-supported and sophisticated arguments, presented in clear, concise and convincing prose.

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

• Through structured online materials (video and print), students will be guided in how to choose and refine the subjects of their dissertations, how to undertake research, and how to present their work in an appropriate academic style, avoiding plagiarism.
• During Michaelmas Term, the Programme Director will assist students in finding appropriate supervisors for their dissertations, and the supervisors will then meet with students on a regular basis to guide them in the writing of their research proposals and literature reviews, and in continuing work on their dissertations.
• Optional online webinars, one in Epiphany term and one in Easter term, allow students to share their experience of dissertation research and learn about each others’ topics, as well as to ask ‘touch base’ with the Programme Director in regard to any practical problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A 5,000 word research proposal and literature review, to be submitted by a specified date in the first half of 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