Modern Languages Dissertation

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate originality of thought and approach which moves beyond a simple synthesis of secondary materials
• evaluate and critically assess previous work on the chosen subject
• engage with critical debate through a sustained argument over an extended piece of work
• analyse/synthesise secondary, as well as primary sources
• where applicable, make connections between different critical methodologies and use interdisciplinary modes of approaching the subject

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• How to challenge professional practice, and undertake improvement-orientated enquiry
• relevant theoretical approaches applicable to your chosen area of study
• the topic you have selected in your chosen field of study

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate specific, as well as general, research skills, such as information retrieval and library searches (which may include external libraries and archives)
• Write a sustained piece of independent study under deadline conditions which is logically structured, coherently argued, supported by a detailed bibliography and, where applicable, illustrations
• develop and give a presentation on your research project
• demonstrate an appropriate use of web-based research and general competence in using electronic research methods and data

The dissertation is an extended piece of work, of c. 8000 words, which results from the in-depth study of a topic in one of the fields of study that constitute the Modern Languages curriculum (cultural and literary studies, linguistic studies, and social and political studies). You will also have the option of producing a professional project.

The module is equivalent to two single weighted modules, one in each semester.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• research and independent study
• regular meetings with your supervisor.

Learning activities include

• Group seminars/workshops, normally run by staff in the appropriate field of study, at which research methods are explained and issues of common concern are discussed.

Guidance on giving presentations

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Walliman, Nicholas (2014). Your undergraduate dissertation : the essential guide for success. Los Angeles ; London: Sage.

Greetham, Bryan (2019). How to write your undergraduate dissertation. London: Red Globe Press.

Assessment strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback

• By the end of Semester 1 you will be expected to submit a 2000-word draft chapter and an annotated bibliography.
• You are required to submit a draft of the entire dissertation or project report by the end of Week 5 of Semester 2, and the finished dissertation or project report by the end of Week 10.

A presentation will be used as formative assessment.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Presentation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External