This module provides students with an opportunity for intensive and detailed research-based study of their chosen topic under the guidance of an appropriate MA dissertation supervisor.
The aims of this module are to:
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
The topic of a dissertation is to be determined by the student, in consultation with academic staff. (Please note that if we are unable to provide a supervisor with appropriate expertise, students may be asked to consider an alternative topic).
Students on the MA in Contemporary European Philosophy have the choice of preparing their dissertation either at Kingston or in Paris, or some combination of the two; the latter will involve co-supervision, i.e. the selection of a supervisor from both Kingston and Paris. Co-supervised students can expect to receive the same overall amount of supervision as other students, but are free to decide on how they decide to divide up their study and supervision, between the two institutions.
A full-time student will begin work on their MA dissertation in June, and submit it eight months later, the following March. In addition to the dissertation itself (worth 100% of the final mark), the module involves two compulsory pass/fail components: an outline proposal and a literature review, both of 2,000 words).
The module is taught through a combination of research skills seminars, group tutorials, oral presentations, individual supervision and individual library-based study. The topic of a dissertation is to be determined by the student, in consultation with a supervisor. Preparation of the dissertation is undertaken in consultation with the supervisor, supplemented by a series of five Research Skills seminars. Provision for these seminars may vary slightly between Kingston and Paris, but the normal minimal pattern will include the following components, taught as seminars or group tutorials:
MA dissertation supervisors will reinforce aspects of the research skills seminars when they meet with students individually during the summer and autumn/winter. Emphasis is placed on individual study.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Seminars/lectures: 5 taught sessions | 4 x 2.5 = 10 |
Scheduled learning and teaching | Individual and Group Tutorials | 3 |
Guided independent study | Directed and Independent learning | 887 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 900 |
The assessment strategy is designed to test a student's ability to meet the module's learning outcomes. Formative assessment involves oral presentations and two pass/fail written components, which must both be completed before a student can submit the dissertation itself:
Summative assessment is based on evaluation of a written dissertation of up to a maximum of 20,000 words (100%), due in March of year two of the degree for a full-time student (or March of year three for a part-time student).
The skills required to prepare these assessed elements will be developed in formative activities throughout the module, notably through individual tutorials, group discussion, and feedback on in-class presentations. These activies offer opportunities for formative peer and staff assessment. Preparation of the dissertation normally includes at least four or five tutorials with a supervisor, supplemented by email correspondence.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1. Undertake intensive and complex independent research at an advanced level, and provide critical treatment of a clearly defined area of academic discussion. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through preparation of the dissertation itself. |
2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the distinctive features, issues and problems of a particular topic within their chosen field. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through preparation of the dissertation itself. |
3. Situate this topic in relation to current academic discussions and debate. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through preparation of the dissertation itself. |
4. Undertake the work of close textual analysis of demanding philosophical texts. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through preparation of the dissertation itself. |
5. Comprehend, reconstruct and interpret philosophical arguments, and situate these arguments in the context of the history of philosophy. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through preparation of the dissertation itself. |
6. Produce a, sustained, coherent and appropriately presented written analysis (up to 20,000 words, including all footnotes) of their chosen topic. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through preparation of the dissertation itself. |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
CWK | Dissertation 20000 words | 100 |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It is a requirement that the major categories of assessment are passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
To be determined by the student in consultation with academic staff.
To be determined by the student in consultation with academic staff.