BA Italian and Spanish / Course details

This course unit is a guided research unit, in which the student submits a 12,000-word dissertation on a subject of her or his own choosing that relates to the Spanish- and/or Portuguese-speaking worlds (subject to approval by the convenor). The student will be expected to identify and develop a dissertation topic appropriate to the scale of the project. They will shape a central research question that should provide scope to explore sophisticated critical issues and undertake complex research and analysis. Following some initial lectures on key issues related to undertaking and designing a dissertation project, the convenor will allocate the student a dissertation supervisor, who will provide guidance with relevant research methods, writing skills and analysis of data. Thus, this course unit affords the student the opportunity to design and undertake a large research project, and will involve significant independent research.

IMPORTANT: Students are reminded that they should seek formal ethical approval before undertaking any research for their dissertation that involves third parties (e.g. interviews, questionnaires, etc.). This includes any preliminary research that students may wish to undertake during their year abroad or the summer prior to their final year. They should contact the dissertation convenor for guidance on how and when to apply for such approval.

None. However, an average mark of 60% at Level 2 is highly recommended for admission onto this course unit. From 2019-2020 an average mark of 60% at Level 2 will be a requirement for admission onto this course unit.

• To develop a better understanding of the languages, cultures and/or histories of the Spanish- and/or Portuguese-speaking worlds
• To explore an aspect of the languages, cultures and/or histories of the Spanish- and/or Portuguese-speaking worlds
• in greater analytical depth
• To develop critical thinking, conceptual reasoning and analytical skills
• To place an analysis of culture and/or history in their social, aesthetic and political context

• Show an in-depth knowledge of an aspect of the languages, cultures and/or histories of the Spanish- and/or Portuguese-speaking worlds
• Show familiarity with key scholarly debates and literature about their chosen topic 

• Define a topic for research
• Write and revise a key research question
• Write analytical plans for extended pieces of work
• Develop a written argument of depth and complexity, using primary sources and critical literature, with a standard of scholarly presentation of the material produced appropriate to Level 3 study. 

• Use the library, electronic and online resources
• Engage in significant independent research
• Design a large-scale research project appropriate to Level 3 study
• Organize a large volume of information

Suggested further readings

1. Chambers, Ellie, and Northledge, Andrew, The Arts Good Study Guide (Milton Keynes: Oxford University Press, 1997)
2. Reardon, Denis, Doing Your Undergraduate Project (London: SAGE, 2004)