Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The research and writing of a 14,000 word piece of scholarship on a subject determined between the student and his or her supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:
1) Build on the research skills and knowledge acquired during the taught elements of the programme.
2) Undertake sustained and original research at an advanced level.
3) Be capable of analysing and interpreting a large body of original documents.
4) Become adept in the established protocols for presenting scholarly theses.
5) Pursue independent research and prepare them for doctoral work.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will select a topic related to the taught elements, which shall then be agreed in consultation with the Module Leader(s)of HIS8023 and of HIS8098 (Research Skills and Dissertation Training) and potential supervisor.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of the Module, students will have: exhibited in-depth knowledge and understanding of their chosen topic; developed greater understanding and awareness of historical perspectives; improved their ability to respond critically to historical questions or problems; extended their knowledge of research methods and techniques. Students will have: had an opportunity to use selected primary sources and a range of secondary reading so as to be able to engage in current critical debates at an advanced level; acquired a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of historical scholarship; displayed originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; practised conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline; and that enables the student to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon completion of the module students will have developed their skills in: project and time-management; formulating, structuring and producing a major piece of research; synthesising information drawn from an appropriate selection of primary and secondary sources and presenting it in the form of an extended piece of writing; structuring a sustained, coherent, objective argument; constructing an extensive, accurate and comprehensive bibliography.
They will have developed associated skills in research, critical reading and reasoning, sustained discussion and appropriate presentation of the results; a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship.
They will have developed their ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level; to continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
They will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring; the exercise of: initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Tutorials provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion of issues that arise out of the need to
Select an original research topic.
Raise appropriate historical questions.
Identify relevant secondary literature and appropriate primary materials.

Tutors are thus able to provide support and supervision during the design, planning and execution of the thesis.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation will enable students to:
Practice their research skills.
Demonstrate advanced and in-depth knowledge and understanding.
Apply the subject specific skills they have gained.
Illustrate their familiarity with historical theories in methods.
Provide evidence of their competence in handling source materials.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

This module cannot be made available to exchange students under any circumstances. This applies to Erasmus, study-abroad, exchange proper and Loyola students equally.

General Notes

N/A