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ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation CH/HNS/LA

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Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Anthropology

Prerequisites

  • Appropriate methods module in another department AND at least 80 credits in Level 1/Level 2 Anthropology modules.

Corequisites

  • One or more Final Honours modules in Anthropology.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Any other 20 or 40 credit dissertation module.

Aims

  • To significantly develop students' skills in independent research and project management by producing an extended dissertation (12,000 words) on a selected specialist topic that addresses a research question defined within the field of anthropology.

Content

  • The student will undertake an extended piece of supervised independent research and investigate in depth the approved topic through either library-based research, or via practical, laboratory and/or field techniques appropriate to the students prior training.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module students will have:
  • Developed and researched a significant topic defined within the scope of anthropology and other subjects cognate to the programme of study, as appropriate.
  • Developed a deep knowledge of the specialist area selected capable of reasonably complete treatment within the given word limit.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Production of a detailed research-led dissertation, using a range of core practical and interpretative skills.
  • Undertaking of research in and analysing the significant topic, applying the transferable skills listed below.

Key Skills:

  • Undertaking independent study and research.
  • Effective negotiation (with Supervisor/Advisor)
  • Development and execution of a programme of primary research, taking into account the potential for interdisciplinary approaches.
  • Sampling, collection, recording and critical analysis of primary and secondary data as the result of accessing library, museum, archive and/or internet resources.
  • Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, results, interpretations and arguments written and visual form.
  • Use of computer and/or information technology to produce a clearly expressed and illustrated dissertation.
  • Time management and negotiation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module is taught through self-guided learning supported by feedback.
  • It is assessed through a written dissertation.
  • Tutorials will focus on discussion and feedback between a tutor and student, in a relatively informal learning environment, enabling the student to enhance, discuss, question and receive feedback on their knowledge and to gain experience in oral communication.
  • Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with tutorials and assignments; guided by lecturers, tutors and reading lists of specialist books, articles and web-sites.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures22 in Michaelmas1 hour2 
Tutorials42 in first term and 2 in second term1 hour4 
Dissertation Consultationsto be arranged with supervisor4 
Drop-in clinicsApproximately fortnightly10 
Preparation & Reading380 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: DissertationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Dissertation12000 words maximum (excluding bibliography and appendices)100 
  

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will consist of drafts of the main sections of the dissertation, including a draft literature review and research timetable in Michaelmas Term, leading to a full thesis draft in Epiphany Term.

More information

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