Module HIST3192: 40 Credit Dissertation in History

Department: History

HIST3192: 40 Credit Dissertation in History

Prerequisites

• A pass mark in at least TWO level 2 modules in History

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To allow students to pursue their own historical interests, to work independently in some depth, and to develop more advanced techniques of research, analysis and exposition.

Content

• (i) Identifying a broad subject area for research, and narrowing it down to a worthwhile and manageable topic, in discussion with a supervisor, who will approve it on behalf of the Boards of Studies and of Examiners, which will be informed of the topics being pursued.
• (ii) Constructing a bibliography, including both primary and secondary sources, in discussion with a supervisor.
• (iii) Writing and presenting a synopsis for discussion with a supervisor justifying the choice of topic, arguing for its interest and importance, and explaining the planned programme of work.
• (iv) Conducting the research, developing and refining arguments, and if need be amending the topic, in discussion with a supervisor.
• (v) Writing up the research, with the opportunity to present a draft chapter for close critical scrutiny by a supervisor, who will pay special attention to matters of presentation and, if need be, offer guidance to supplement that which is contained in the Department's Dissertations Handbook.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain the ability to discover, assess and use primary and secondary historical materials, the facility to write at length relevantly and coherently within the required word limit, and the skill of employing appropriate scholarly apparatus.

• Reading and using texts and other source materials critically and analytically, addressing questions of content, perspective, and purpose at an advanced level.
• Locating, handling, and critically analysing a substantial body of primary sources.
• Assembling evidence to address issues, constructing an argument and supporting it with evidence.
• Intellectual independence and research, including the development of bibliographical skills, the ability to research, use, evaluate, and organise historical materials, and to present independent research in written form.
• Planning and writing long, independent projects.
• Demonstrate imaginative insight about a historical subject.

• The ability to employ sophisticated reading skills to gather, sift, process, synthesise and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources (print, digital, material, aural, visual, audio-visual, etc.).
• The ability to communicate ideas and information in writing, and to devise and sustain coherent and cogent arguments.
• Independent research skills, using a wide range of search tools and historical sources.
• Time management and working to a deadline.

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

• Dissertation and extended essay assignments enable the student to demonstrate research and methodological skills appropriate to the specific knowledge and methodologies associated with the study of history. The dissertation or extended essay assesses students' ability to formulate a research problem and conduct research, reflection and writing to an agreed timetable. Students will need to study a wide range of resources and will need to deploy a range of analytical and reflective practices in the achievement of the stated goals.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Synopsis of c.1,000 words; preparation for meetings with supervisor; draft chapter.

■ 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.