HSS8003 : Dissertation Preparation
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Mr Nicholas Gardiner
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Jen Tarr
- Owning School: HASS Faculty Office
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To support students in writing Masters level dissertations
To enable students to develop, plan and manage their research strategy
To demonstrate the requirements of a Masters level dissertation
To demonstrate the appropriate use of data and findings, including triangulation and building a substantiated argument
To highlight the importance of language in the writing up process
To explore approaches to presentation and the use of graphics
Outline Of Syllabus
Requirements of a Masters level dissertation
Building a literature review
Clarifying the research topic, problem, questions
Building a substantiated argument
Writing styles and presentation
Using graphics, images etc
Approaches to managing writing
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | lecture materials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 0:30 | 5:00 | exercises in preparation for each workshop |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will introduce students to key concepts and issues in writing a dissertation. Structured writing activities will be undertaken in preparation for the workshops, building toward a portfolio for assessment. In workshops, students will work together on writing exercises and learn to critique their own and others' work.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 100 | A 1500-2000 word portfolio of writing activities |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment will build a portfolio of writing activities to assess the students' ability to write a masters level dissertation. Aspects such as research design, use of diverse sources, written presentation skills, and appropriate use of language will be assessed.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- HSS8003's Timetable