SO3PJD: Sociology (Joint Language) Dissertation

Module Provider:

Sociology

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn and Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr L Schweber

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

SO3CJD

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2007/8

Aims:
This module aims to develop students' research and analytical skills and to apply them to a substantive research project of the students' (guided) choice.

Assessable learning outcomes:
The student will be expected to demonstrate the ability to absorb a range of relevant literature and to marshal a range of evidence in the construction of a coherent and persuasive discussion of the chosen topic.

Additional outcomes:
Students will have gained experience in the preparation and conduct of independent research

Outline content:
The topic of the dissertation must reflect, and relate to, competencies acquired through one, or more, of the units studied in the Department of Sociology, by the particular student.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
To prepare a thesis of 10,000 (plus or minus 1000) words on a topic chosen in consultation with advisers within the Department of Sociology.

(i) Preliminaries: In Spring Term of year 2 students should meet their personal tutor to discuss their preliminary ideas and find an appropriate supervisor.

(ii) Registration: By the end of Spring Term of year 2, students should submit a working title and their first two preferences for a supervisor to the Director for UG dissertations. Students will be assigned a supervisor by the beginning of Summer Term.

(iii) Supervision: By the end of week 2 of the Summer Term of year 2, students must have their first post-registration meeting with their supervisor, as supervisors are essentially concerned with the initial planning of the dissertation. During this consultation, which should not exceed 30 minutes, supervisors will be prepared to offer comments on the subject, the scope, the approach and the sources the student may use.

(iv) By the end of December of year 3 (their year abroad), students must submit to their supervisor a synopsis outlining the structure, general content, main sources and analytical/conceptual framework of their dissertation. Supervisors will be available for 3 substantive e-mail exchanges.

(v.)At the student's request, supervisors will read and comment on a single full draft, provided that it is submitted by the first day of the Autumn Term of Year 4.

To complete the module students must register for SO3CJD in the Autumn Term of Year 4.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework:
Dissertation preparation, including synopsis, data collection and analysis.

Penalties for late submission: In accordance with University policy a penalty of a reduction of ten marks to a dissertation submitted up to one week after the original deadline, and a zero mark thereafter, will be applied.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Examinations: None.


Requirements for a pass: 40%


Reassessment arrangements: The dissertation mark will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be re-submitted by 1 August.