Languages, Cultures and Linguistics Dissertation

Module overview

This unit will allow students to undertake independent research to produce an in-depth study of a specific topic located in one of the fields within Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. You will also have the option of producing a professional project. In that case, your dissertation will describe the project design based on subject specific literature and evaluate its success drawing on the relevant subject specific methodologies.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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
demonstrate specific, as well as general, research skills, such as information retrieval and library searches (which may include external libraries and archives)

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include: - research and independent study - regular meetings with your supervisor Learning activities include: - group lectures which cover elements of the dissertation development and writing process - guidance on giving presentations

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	294
Teaching	6
Total study time	300

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

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

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

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Formative assessment: - By the end of Semester 1, you will be expected to submit a 3-4 page research proposal - You will submit draft chapters of your dissertation to your supervisor who will comment on them - A presentation given in class in Semester 2 to showcase the work being done and to get feedback from other students and members of the department The summative assessment is the final 8,000 word dissertation.

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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Dissertation	100%

Referral

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Dissertation	100%

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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Dissertation	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External