Module LIBA3012: Interdisciplinary Dissertation in Arts & Humanities

Department: Liberal Arts

LIBA3012: Interdisciplinary Dissertation in Arts & Humanities

Prerequisites

• At least 20 credits at Level 2 in each of the two subjects combined in the dissertation. Students must also secure the approval of the Directorate of Liberal Arts, who will convene the module, on the basis of a proposal normally to be submitted in term 2 of the preceding academic year. The proposal should cover what you want to research - your principal research question(s) -, why the topic is worth researching from an interdisciplinary perspective, and how you will construct and provide interdisciplinary evidence for your argument.

Corequisites

• At least 20 credits in each of the two subjects combined in the dissertation.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any other dissertation module.

Aims

• To allow students in Liberal Arts to pursue an original, individual interdisciplinary research project in their final year of study, bringing together theories, concepts, and material from two subjects in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities that they have studied and are continuing to study as part of their degree programme in Liberal Arts.

Content

• Interdisciplinary dissertation addressing a research question chosen by the student, in consultation with the Directorate of Liberal Arts, as well as their supervisor, bringing together theories, concepts, material and methods from two subjects within the Faculty of the Arts and Humanities.

Learning Outcomes

• A clear grasp of the conceptual frameworks and practices of interpretation necessary to address a chosen research question.
• Informed awareness of debates about method relevant to the chosen area of research, including especially the relation between the two subjects brought together in the dissertation.
• Detailed knowledge of primary and secondary sources related to the chosen topic, including specialist literature in both of the subjects brought together in the dissertation.

• The ability to formulate an original and compelling interdisciplinary research question relating to a chosen topic.
• The ability to combine skills, methods, and knowledge from two different disciplines within the arts and humanities.
• Critical skills in analysis and interpretation of cultural artifacts and historical evidence, drawing on methods and materials from two distinct disciplines.
• Research skills in identifying and securing access to relevant sources.

• The capacity for independent research in secondary sources.
• Independent thought and judgement, evaluating arguments proposed in secondary sources and formulating original arguments in response.
• Competence in the planning and execution of a substantial individual research project.
• Competence in time-management.
• Information-technology skills such as word-processing and electronic data access.

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

• Students interested in applying to register for the interdisciplinary dissertation in Liberal Arts will be invited to attend an introductory session on the module in Epiphany term of the preceding academic year, where they will receive an overview of the module; guidance on how to formulate an original, compelling, and appropriate interdisciplinary research question; how to select relevant primary and secondary sources; and advice on how to formulate a proposal in advance of module registration. Students who successfully register for the module will receive an initial consultation with a staff member of relevant subject expertise, but not necessarily the eventual supervisor, towards the end of Easter term.
• Plenary workshops in early Michaelmas and Epiphany terms will address the reformulation of research questions, the structuring of arguments and interdisciplinary methodology. These sessions will be student-led, with an emphasis on strategies of peer-review and problem-solving. Students will receive up to 4.5 hours of supervision across the academic year with their supervisor, including a minimum of once per term, at the start of Michaelmas and end of Epiphany, with length and frequency to be determined in discussion with individual supervisors.
• Formative submissions as detailed below.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1 - students will submit a revised abstract, dissertation outline including proposed chapters, and an annotated bibliography of key texts, not exceeding 1,000 words all-in, in Michaelmas term, by a date to be agreed with individual supervisors. 2 - students will submit a formative writing sample of up to 3,000 words (including footnotes but excluding bibliography) in Epiphany term, on a date to be agreed with supervisors, but no later than the first week of April. Both pieces of formative work will receive written feedback from the supervisor, and the opportunity of a follow-up supervision meeting.

■ 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