
- UCAS course code
- L900
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Development Studies Dissertation
Unit code | ECON30910 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
A dissertation provides students with an organizing focus for their final year. Defining, researching and writing a dissertation can be one of the most satisfying and interesting experiences of an undergraduate student. Producing a dissertation should help students learn how to define a researchable problem, to decide upon appropriate sources, and to develop a sustained argument. In addition, dissertations reinforce and extend analytic skills. Defining, researching and writing a dissertation will help students develop valuable skills such as time management, initiative in deciding upon and locating relevant primary and secondary sources, problem-solving, developing a capacity for independent work, communicating effectively in writing, and working with some primary sources.
A student who writes a development studies dissertation will be able to: (i) develop deep knowledge about their chosen topic; (ii) develop intellectual independence; (iii) learn to define a researchable problem; (iv) learn to decide upon appropriate secondary and primary sources; (v) deploy the scholarly apparatus of bibliography and footnotes effectively; (vi) learn to develop a sustained argument; (vii) develop analytic skills; (viii) learn to meet deadlines; (ix) learn to communicate effectively in writing; (x) learn to deploy information from secondary sources as well as some primary sources.
Pre/co-requisites
This course unit is available to BA Econ Development Studies pathway only
Aims
A dissertation provides students with an organizing focus for their final year. Defining, researching and writing a dissertation can be one of the most satisfying and interesting experiences of an undergraduate student. Producing a dissertation should help students learn how to define a researchable problem, to decide upon appropriate sources, and to develop a sustained argument. In addition, dissertations reinforce and extend analytic skills. Defining, researching and writing a dissertation will help students develop valuable skills such as time management, initiative in deciding upon and locating relevant primary and secondary sources, problem-solving, developing a capacity for independent work, communicating effectively in writing, and working with some primary sources.
Learning outcomes
A student who writes a development studies dissertation will be able to:
- Develop deep knowledge about their chosen topic.
- Develop intellectual independence.
- Learn to define a researchable problem.
- Learn to decide upon appropriate secondary and primary sources.
- Deploy the scholarly apparatus of bibliography and footnotes effectively.
- Learn to develop a sustained argument.
- Develop analytic skills.
- Learn to meet deadlines.
- Learn to communicate effectively in writing.
- Learn to deploy information from secondary sources as well as some primary sources.
Syllabus
In undertaking a dissertation, a student will have the opportunity to develop intellectual independence while specializing in depth in a topic of interest. This can be any suitable topic related to the field of development studies. The choice of the topic will be determined by the student in consultation with a supervisor.
Teaching and learning methods
Individual study under the guidance of dissertation supervisors.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Synthesis and analysis of data and information. Critical reflection and evaluation.
- Project management
- Time management.
- Research
- Conducting, planning and reporting on independent research.
- Written communication
- Other
- Using library, electronic and online resources.
Assessment methods
10% Dissertation proposal
90% 8000 word dissertation
Feedback methods
- Office hours.
Recommended reading
- May, T. (1997) Social research: Issues, methods and processes, Open University Press.
- Robson, C. (1993) Real world research: A resource for social scientists and practitioner-researchers, Oxford University Press.
- Wallimann, N. (2001) Your research project: A step-by-step guide for the first-time researcher, Sage.
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Nahid Farnaz | Unit coordinator |