The dissertation module is intended to provide students with an opportunity to select a research topic relating to an aspect of the course which has engaged their own particular interests, and to explore it in detail through guided self-study.

The module aims to provide students with:

the opportunity to pursue a specific interest in depth;

the relevant in-depth subject knowledge required for their topic;

appropriate critical and theoretical awareness;

the necessary methodology skills and self-reflexive thinking;

the ability to undertake independent research, analysis, critical thinking, writing and guided self-study;

skills in time management.

For the Dissertation, the module aims to provide students with:

research methodology skills specific to the individual topic;

the ability to undertake independent scholarly research.

For the Creative Writing Submission, the module aims to provide students with:

the ability to engage critically with the practices, processes and craft of creative writing;

the ability to demonstrate such engagement through critical and creative output.

By the end of the module students will have the following knowledge and skills:

detailed knowledge of a specific interest ;

in-depth subject knowledge required for their topic;

a high level of critical and theoretical awareness;

methodology skills and self-reflexive thinking;

the ability to undertake independent research, analysis, critical thinking, writing and guided self-study

the ability to manage time effectively.

For the Dissertation, the module will also provide students with:

research methodology skills specific to their own topic;

the ability to undertake independent scholarly research.

For the Creative Writing Submission, the module will also provide students with:

the ability to engage critically with the practices, processes and craft of creative writing;

the ability to demonstrate such engagement through critical and creative output.

(For joint honours students undertaking the Project the learning outcomes are the same as for the dissertation)

This will depend upon the individual student’s choice.

Please note that Research Skills are dealt with in a separate module (Research Skills).

Assessment deadlines

Dissertation Plan (formative):  10^th November 2010

Dissertation:  6^th April 2011

Recommended Reading
Fabb, Nigel and Alan Durant (2005), How to Write Essays, Coursework Projects and Dissertations in Literary Studies. London: Longman.
Hart, Chris (1998): Doing a Literature Review. London: Sage
Levin, Levin Excellent Dissertations! (Open UP: 2005)
Swetnam, Derek (2000): Writing Your Dissertation. London: How To Books
Walliman, Nicholas S R (2000): Your Research Project. London: Sage. And Your Undergraduate Dissertation (London: Sage, 2004)