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).
The module is taught through a combination of research skills seminars, oral presentation of proposal, 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 four Research Skills seminars:
MA dissertation supervisors will reinforce aspects of the research skills seminars when they meet with students individually during the spring and summer terms. Emphasis is placed on individual study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Seminars/lectures: 4 taught sessions (average of 2.5 hours each) | 10 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Individual and group tutorials | 3 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Directed and Independent Learning | 587 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 600 | |
The assessment strategy is designed to test a student's ability to meet the module's learning outcomes. Summative assessment involves two pieces of written work:
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 |
|---|---|
| Undertake independent library research, 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. |
| Demonstrate familiarity with 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Produce a, sustained, coherent and appropriately presented written analysis (12,000-15,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Dissertation 12000-15000 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.