2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

HIST5015M Dissertation (MA)

60 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Professor Sara Barker
Email: S.K.Barker@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Students will write a dissertation of 15,000 words based on a body of primary sources. The dissertation will evaluate relevant secondary literature, display the ability to set out a problem, discuss methodology and construct a clearly-expressed argument. The dissertation will explore some aspect of history relevant to the programme on which the student is registered, and can be written on a topic of the student's choice, subject to the availability of appropriate supervision.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to allow students to acquire knowledge of appropriate research methods and an in-depth understanding of a specific historical topic related to their programme through the use and analysis of primary and secondary materials, to synthesise the results of such work, and to produce a coherent and extended piece of historical writing.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Logically defined a complex problem and a set of research questions
2. Successfully located and handled appropriate primary and secondary source material
3. Critically interpreted and analysed complex documentary-based material
4. Effectively researched a topic using methods appropriate to the discipline and subject matter

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Successfully planned an extended piece of independent research
6. Effectively presented research findings in an extended piece of written work

Syllabus

Students will receive up to five hours of individual supervision on their project and will have the opportunity to attend a number of scheduled research workshops during the year. These workshops may include topics such as identifying a research topic, bibliographical skills, finding and interpreting sources, library skills, or writing and editing skills.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	5	1.00	5.00
Seminar	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			591.00
Total Contact hours			9.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will complete a research outline during semester 1 and will receive written feedback on this outline from their dissertation supervisor. Students will also receive formative feedback on their dissertation research during individual supervision sessions with their dissertation supervisor. Students will have an opportunity to receive formative feedback on a chapter plan as well as up to 15% of the draft dissertation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Research Proposal	Research Proposal	10.00
Essay or Dissertation	Dissertation	90.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Assessment 1 (formative) – Research outline Students will complete an outline of their research plan during semester 1 and will receive formative feedback on this outline from their dissertation supervisor. This will help students prepare for the research proposal. Assessment 2 (summative) – Research proposal Students will have the opportunity to develop ideas from their research outline when writing a dissertation proposal, which comprises the first summative assessment. The dissertation proposal is submitted during semester 2. Assessment 3 (summative) – Dissertation The dissertation (15,000 words) forms the second summative assessment and is submitted at the end of the academic year.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 18/10/2024

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