THEO53160: Dissertation in Theology and Religion

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• To enable students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject in the field of theology and religion; to advance their skills in the research, analysis and synthesis of texts/data, ideas and arguments, through the writing of an academic dissertation..

• The module consists in researching and writing a dissertation on a particular subject in the field of theology and religion. The Programme Director and appropriate supervisors will guide students in the choice of their subjects, the refinement of titles and research schedules, and the use of appropriate academic styles. Students will normally submit the completed dissertation in early September. Guidance will be provided to students through lectures and supervisions, and notes on procedures, deadlines, and the formatting of the dissertation will be available in the MA Handbook.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the conclusion of the module, students should possess a detailed understanding of their particular subject, based on the study of relevant sources, and, where appropriate, original fieldwork.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the conclusion of the module, students should be able to identify a viable research topic, construct and implement a coherent research programme, and present their work in a readable and properly referenced dissertation.

Key Skills:

• By the conclusion of the module, students should have acquired advanced research skills, including the ability to locate, summarise and evaluate key sources, both in print and online, and be able to cite them in a professional and academic manner; they should have advanced communication skills, including the ability to construct well-supported and sophisticated arguments, presented in clear, concise and convincing prose.

• Individual supervision provides a forum in which ongoing work can be discussed in a focused manner with a subject expert, and in which the student is able to acquire and enhance their knowledge and understanding of a specialised field. Students will be directed to an existing body of literature relevant to the subject under study, and advised on the potential primary sources that may be consulted. Regular meetings between student and supervisor will take place during the course of planning, research and writing.

A 5,000 word research proposal and literature review, to be submitted by a specified date in the first half of Epiphany Term. (Students applying for Scholarships must submit their proposal and review by end of Michaelmas Term.)

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