Module ARTS40660: Interdisciplinary Dissertation in Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Department: Arts and Humanities Faculty Hub

ARTS40660: Interdisciplinary Dissertation in Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Prerequisites

• n/a

Corequisites

• n/a

Excluded Combination of Modules

• • Any other dissertation module

Aims

• To give students the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary research question and undertake an extended interdisciplinary study at an advanced level bringing together theories and concepts from their programme.

Content

• Dissertation on a substantial topic in any discipline or disciplines represented in the student’s programme of study; the topic is chosen by the student with guidance from the Programme Director and supervisor, and brings together theories and concepts from their other subject modules.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to formulate informed research questions relating to a chosen topic;
• Display a critical understanding at an advanced level of key theoretical concerns and appropriate underlying concepts relevant to their chosen area of research;
• Display a critical understanding at an advanced level of the core methodological issues relating to their area of research;
• Demonstrate detailed subject-specific knowledge at an advanced level of the particular issues associated with their research topic.

• To have an advanced ability to engage critically with cultural texts, artefacts or narratives in the field of study;
• To have an advanced ability to engage critically with different forms of analysis in the the field of study, informed as appropriate by critical theory and sophisticated evidential understanding;
• To be able to research a particular theme or topic within the field of study, using appropriate methodologies and critical analyses, in order to generate new understanding

• Demonstrate independent research skills, with a capacity to research and compile bibliographies using a range of online search tools and resources from appropriate disciplines;
• An advanced ability to synthesize complex material from a wide range of sources;
• An ability to formulate complex arguments in articulate and structured English, within the discursive conventions and genres of academic writing, and written to high academic standards;
• Competence in appropriate information technology skills;
• Ability to demonstrate professional conduct through observation of professional and academic standards, including correct editorial referencing of sources ;
• Plan and manage their own learning;
• Present and discuss their research question and topic in discussion with their supervisor, responding to queries and objections.

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

• Seminar-based research training will be provided, tailored to the disciplinary specialism(s) of dissertations undertaken by students.
• There will be individual supervisions up to a total of six hours.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Proposals, bibliographies, and drafts submitted by students may be read by their supervisor over the year.

■ 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