- UCAS course code
- S456
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BASS Social Anthropology and Data Analytics / Course details
Year of entry: 2024
- View tabs
- View full page
Course unit details:
Dissertation A
Unit code | SOAN30610 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 40 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This dissertation is for students on the BSocSc (Hons) in Social Anthropology, and for students on the BASS and joint degree programmes with Social Anthropology pathways who choose to write a Social Anthropology dissertation. Students will be provided with a workshop-style class in the first semester to discuss research methods and the key stages entailed - from crystallising research aims and objectives, devising research strategies, building a set of readings, and organising materials for the writing process. The class places emphasis on practical workshops, as well as theoretical and ethical concerns surrounding the politics of knowledge and ethnographic work and representation. Students will also have a chance to read past dissertations together so they know what is expected of them vis-à-vis the marking criteria. Semester 2 will involve more independent research and writing, with the guidance of dissertation supervisors who will have been working with the students from the first semester. There will not be timetabled seminars in Semester 2.
Aims
In the first semester, students will identify clear and limited research aims and objectives thus formulating clear research questions, devise research strategies, carry out a literature search, and build an initial organisation of materials for the writing process. During the second semester, students will write their dissertation.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the first semester, students will be able to formulate their own research questions, be aware of how to research them in an anthropological way, compile a portfolio of literature reviews, be aware of both ethical and theoretical concerns on how to address the question and have completed all the necessary background work to complete a dissertation. During the second semester, students will write a dissertation supported by regular meetings with their dissertation supervisor.
Teaching and learning methods
There will be a series of workshops during the first semester, complemented by one-to-one supervision with dissertation supervisors throughout the year. Whilst the workshops are optional, students will benefit from attending them.
Assessment methods
- Dissertation of 10,000 words (worth 100%)
Feedback methods
Students will receive one-to-one supervision to support their dissertation writing. They will therefore receive ongoing feedback on their progress, as long as they take advantage of the supervision on offer. Students are also encouraged to write a dissertation proposal before the Christmas break, and the supervisor will provide feedback on it.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Project supervision | 8 |
Seminars | 10 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 382 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Sonja Dobroski | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Information