ANTH3742: Anthropology and Archaeology Interdisciplinary Dissertation (40 credits)

• Research Project Design (ANTH2187)

• One or more Final Honours modules in Anthropology and one of more Final Honours modules in Archaeology

• Any other 20 or 40 credit dissertation module

• 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 research question using methods, theories and approaches drawn from the fields of anthropology and archaeology.

• The student will undertake an extended piece of supervised independent research and investigate in depth the approved topic using an appropriate range of practical, laboratory and/or field techniques, producing a well-argued and presented dissertation report. Students will be expected to develop and apply interdisciplinary approaches to the project.
• Students are encouraged to gather their own data or conduct their own observations. However, disciplinary conventions and other constraints may render it appropriate for students to rely on library-based research. Students choosing this option should do so in consultation with their supervisor and justify it within the dissertation script.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module students will have:
• Developed and researched a significant interdisciplinary topic defined within the scope of the combined fields of anthropology and archaeology.
• Developed a detailed knowledge of the dissertation topic.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Production of a detailed interdisciplinary research-led dissertation, using a range of core practical and interpretative skills (including analytical, laboratory or field skills) used in anthropology and archaeology.
• Undertaking of research in and analysis of 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 WWW 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.

• 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.
• Students will either be co-supervised by two supervisors, one in Anthropology and one in Archaeology, or supervised by a member of academic staff working at the interfaces of Anthropology and Archaeology.

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.

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