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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: CMCM015 Module Title: DISSERTATION
Module Provider: English Short Name: LCM520
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: MARQUEZ REITER R Dr (English)
Number of credits: 60 Number of ECTS credits: 30
 
Module Availability
Spring semester
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
Submission of a 10,000-word assignment by the date published in the Programme of Study, normally during the first week of September. The dissertation accounts for one third of the MA degree (60 credits) and the pass level for the dissertation is 50%.
 
The marking scheme is as follows
 
Quality and originality of research
20%
Grasp of theoretical tools
25%
Analytical rigour and coherence of argument
25%
Knowledge/Use of secondary sources
15 %
Presentation/Style
15 %
Qualifying Condition(s) 
A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module.
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Completion of the Diploma component of the Programme with a 50% or higher average mark.
Module Aims
As an extensive piece of work (10-12,000 words) which allows the student to work on a topic independently in depth – with appropriate guidance – the dissertation module aims to provide the opportunity for students to specialise in an aspect of the taught programme which is of particular interest and to synthesise the skills and knowledge which they have acquired.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will have achieved the following outcomes:
 
SUBJECT SPECIFIC
  • a 10-12,000 word dissertation (excluding references) reflecting the focus of the degree programme
  • a critical appreciation of the different frames of interpretation for analysing communication and international marketing for research purposes
GENERAL
  • the ability to work independently on an extended piece of work in a sustained way with guidance;
  • evidence of research skills developed to a level of complexity and sophistication commensurate with a masters dissertation;
  • evidence of the ability to plan and manage larger projects over a period of time to meet deadlines and quality expectations.
Module Content
Students will discuss with their course director possible topics during the second part of the Autumn semester (or earlier if appropriate). Students should submit an outline of their dissertation as discussed to the Director of the Programme by the 11 May. Failure to do so will incur in a 10% penalty. Two main patterns of work are possible:
  • a piece of sustained academic writing on a well-specified question related to the content of the programme, drawing on the relevant literature; the work may be of an empirical or theoretical kind
  • a case study in a relevant area of communication and based on guided empirical research in the field
Methods of Teaching/Learning
By individual consultation and discussion as well as independent research.
 
Students and supervisors will agree a timetable of work which will include regular meetings and/or communications, at which outlines, drafts and revisions of written work are discussed. Students are expected to submit sections of the dissertation for comment as their work proceeds. Means of communication between student and supervisor should be agreed at the beginning of the supervision period.
Selected Texts/Journals
Specific to individual topics, along with the following:
 
ESSENTIAL
 
The Preparation and Presentation of Theses and Dissertations
 
 
Peck, J., & Coyle, M. (1999) The Student's Guide to Writing, Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling. London: Macmillan Press Ltd.
 
Watson, G. (1996) Writing a Thesis: A Guide to Long Essays and Dissertations. 9th impression. Longman: London
 
RECOMMENDED
 
Ballian, E.S. (1994) The Graduate Research Guidebook: A Practical Approach to Doctoral/Masters Research. 3rd edition. Lanham: University Press of America.
 
Booth, W.C., Colomb, G.G., & Williams, J.M. (1995) The Craft of Research. Chicago/London: The University of Chicago Press.
 
British Academy/CVCP. (1992) Postgraduate Research in the Humanities: Final Report. London: British Academy.
 
Calnan, J. (1984) Coping with Research: The Complete Guide for Beginners. London: William Heinemann Medical.
 
Denzin, N., & Lincoln, Y. (eds.). (1994) Handbook of Qualitative Research. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
 
Fairbairn, G.J., & Winch, C. (1998) Reading, Writing, and Reasoning: A Guide for Students.(2nd ed). Buckingham: Open University Press.
 
Greenfield, T. (ed.). (1996) Research Methods: Guidance for Postgraduates. London: Arnold.
 
Hawkes, D.L. (1990) Research: Getting Started: A Guide for Postgraduates. Pontypridd, Mid-Glamorgan: The Technology Centre, the Polytechnic of Wales.
 
Leki, I. (1995) Academic Writing: Exploring Processes and Strategies.New York: St. Martin's Press.
Lock, D. (1989) Project Management. Aldershot: Gower.
 
Rudestam, K.E., & Newton, R.R. (eds.) (1992) Surviving your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process. London: Sage Publications.
 
Silverman, D. (2000) Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook. London. Sage  Publications.
 
Swales, J., & Feak, C. (1994) Academic Writing for Graduate Students. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
 
Swetham, D. (1998) Writing your Dissertation: How to Plan, Prepare and Present your Work Successfully. (2nd ed). 4th impression. Oxford: How to Books.
 
Turabian, K.L. (1996) A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. (6th ed). London: The University of Chicago Press.
Last Updated

9.9.09