Module JPNS3032: Dissertation in Japanese Studies (40 credits)

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Japanese)

JPNS3032: Dissertation in Japanese Studies (40 credits)

Prerequisites

• Japanese Language 2B (JPNS2012) or Japanese Language 2A (JPNS2061) or equivalent

Corequisites

• Japanese Language 4 (JPNS3012)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• JPNS3031 Dissertation in Japanese Studies (20 credits)

Aims

• To enable students to:
• Develop data collection, analysis and presentation skills.
• Develop critical faculties in relation to existing literature on the topic area
• Understand the importance of using appropiate methodology in approaching a research project, and to conduct self-directed learning.

Content

• The dissertation involves researching and writing an extended piece of work in English on an aspect of Japan for which MLaC can offer research supervision. It is a requirement that the dissertation is based, in part, on the use of Japanese language sources.
• Students will identify a subject for research and will receive guidance from academic staff in order to formulate a manageable research question for their dissertation. Supervisors will approve the final form of the dissertation research question on behalf of the Boards of Studies and examiners, who will be informed of the dissertation topics being pursued.

Learning Outcomes

• Specialist knowledge of Japan demonstrated through the writing of a dissertation on some aspect of Japanese culture or society.
• Familiarity with both primary and secondary sources of the specialist subject, and with the wider debates surrounding the topic that forms the main subject of the dissertation.

• The ability to describe, explain and evaluate significant elements in the history, literature, culture and sociology of Japan, and the ability to make effective intercultural connections and comparisons.
• The ability to use discipline-specific methodology to carry out independent research on a field related to Japan, based on the use of appropiate primary and secondary sources in Japanese, and to present the research appropriately in written and spoken form.

• The ability to employ the sophisticated reading skills acquired to gather, sift, process, synthesise and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources (print, digital, aural, other audio-visual)
• The ability to communicate ideas and information orally and in writing, devise and sustain coherent and cogent arguments.
• The self-discipline and self-direction necessary to pursue independent research, working on one's own initiative for an extended period of time on complex subjects.
• The ability to write and think under pressure, manage time and work to deadlines.
• The ability to make effective use of information and communications technology.

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

• Preparation for the Dissertation begins with Ongoing Induction lectures in years 1 and 2, covering research skills and critical methodology. There are four further lectures on Dissertation skills in the final year.
• Students are entitled to a total of 4.5 hours of supervision time. This may include one or more group seminars, but will include a total of at least 3 hours of one-to-one supervision meetings. The length of each meeting may vary between 20 and 40 minutes, according to the needs of each student at different phases of the project. Students will see their supervisor at least twice in each of the first two terms.
• After each supervision, it is the responsibility of the student to use the Dissertation Supervision Monitoring form to write a brief summary of the key points discussed and submit it electronically to the supervisor for possible further comment.
• In the second half of Michaelmas term (week 6 or 7, deadline to be agreed between student and supervisor), students must submit to their supervisor a plan comprising: 1) the proposed title of the dissertation; 2) a draft abstract; 3) an outline of the proposed structure of the dissertation; 4) an annotated preliminary bibliography of primary and secondary sources. The total length should not exceed 3 A4 pages. Students whose projects may require vetting by the MLAC Ethics Committee (for example, if they plan to use surveys, interviews or potentially confidential data) are required to flag this up in the same submission, referring to the guidelines set out in the Dissertation Handbook.
• Students are required to submit to their supervisor up to three extracts from their dissertation, totalling approximately 2500 words. The precise arrangements (number of submissions, length of each, time of submission) are to be agreed between the supervisor and the student, but the last instalment must be submitted in time for feedback to be given before the end of Epiphany term.
• The supervisor will comment in writing on both the plan and the extracts within two weeks of submission. Submissions will also be discussed in supervision meetings.
• Assessment of the dissertation will evaluate students’ ability to assimilate, understand, and analyse critically the primary and secondary material associated with their dissertation topic, also their ability to present a sustained argument with suitable evidence, and to express themselves fluently and accurately in English, paying due attention to the relevant conventions of academic writing. Students will also be expected to produce a full and proper bibliography.
• Students are required to submit two formative reflective accounts of up to 500 words each, following their formative submissions. The first reflective account (Michaelmas Term) should reflect on the supervisory discussion and feedback received, and outline how the student intends to respond to it. The second reflective account (Epiphany Term) should again reflect on supervisory feedback, while also evaluating the student’s progress, identifying key developments in the project, and outlining the next stages of drafting and revision. These reflective components are designed to foster critical self-awareness, encourage active engagement with feedback, and support the development of independent research skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1) Formative Assignment 1: to be submitted in Week 6 or 7 of Michaelmas Term, on a date agreed with the supervisor. It should consist of a single document of no more than three A4 pages, including a draft abstract, an outline of the dissertation structure, an annotated preliminary bibliography, and a short paragraph on potential ethical issues. In addition, students must submit a total of 1500 words of draft material from the dissertation, either as one submission or in two parts, as agreed with the supervisor. 2) Reflective Account 1: due two weeks after the submission of Formative Assignment 1 and should be no longer than 500 words. It should reflect on the discussion with the supervisor regarding the submitted plan and explain how the feedback has been, or will be, addressed. 3) Formative Assignment 2: to be submitted in Week 6 or 7 of Epiphany Term, again on a date agreed with the supervisor. The submission should include up to three draft extracts from the dissertation (approximately 2500 words in total, or 1500 words for 20-credit dissertations), an updated dissertation plan, and, where required, evidence of ethical approval. 4) Reflective Account 2: due two weeks after the submission of Formative Assignment 2 and should be no longer than 500 words. It should reflect on the supervisory discussion of the updated plan, consider the progress made since the first submission, and outline the next stages of drafting and revision.

■ 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.