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ANTH3382: Anthropology Dissertation CH/HNS/LA

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Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Anthropology

Prerequisites

  • Appropriate methods module in another department AND at least 80 credits in Level 1/Level 2 Anthropology modules.

Corequisites

  • One or more Final Honours modules in Anthropology.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Any other 20 or 40 credit dissertation module.

Aims

  • 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 a research question defined within the field of anthropology.

Content

  • The student will undertake an extended piece of supervised independent research and investigate in depth the approved topic through either library-based research, or via practical, laboratory and/or field techniques appropriate to the students prior training.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module students will have:
  • Developed and researched a significant topic defined within the scope of anthropology and other subjects cognate to the programme of study, as appropriate.
  • Developed a deep knowledge of the specialist area selected capable of reasonably complete treatment within the given word limit.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Production of a detailed research-led dissertation, using a range of core practical and interpretative skills.
  • Undertaking of research in and analysing 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 internet 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.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • 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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures22 in Michaelmas1 hour2Yes
Tutorials42 in first term and 2 in second term1 hour4Yes
Dissertation Consultationsto be arranged with supervisor4 
Drop-in clinicsApproximately fortnightly10 
Preparation & Reading380 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: DissertationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Dissertation12000 words maximum (excluding bibliography and appendices)100 

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will consist of drafts of the main sections of the dissertation, as agreed with the dissertation supervisor, leading to a full thesis draft in Epiphany Term.

More information

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