Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title DISSERTATION PROJECT
Code ENGL603
Coordinator Dr LJ Regan
English
L.Regan@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

The aim of this module is for students to:

  1. Set out the main lines of a research enquiry, its divisions and possible resources. 
  2. Undertake independent research to identify and evaluate key reading and critical contexts for the proposed topic. The object at this stage is not to try to ''solve'' or ''conclude'' or ''cover'' the proposed topic: a much more throughgoing examination of the topic will be proper to the dissertation itself. 

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, students will be able to:

Demonstrate critical thinking and research skills in formulating an appropriate research question

Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of their subject area through critical evaluation of current scholarship

Develop strategies to explain and defend their proposed project through oral presentation

Demonstrate the ability to communicate in written form the feasibility of their proposed project for Dissertation 

Syllabus
1 

As this is a project, students direct their own subject-specific reading, but reading material will be made available for tutorial and/or seminar discussion on aspects of designing and planning a dissertation such as how to find a research topic, formulating a research question, searching and reviewing existing scholarship, writing style and process, structuring the dissertation and editing. 

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Tutorial - Students will be offered the opportunity to discuss their progress in designing their project in a series of fortnightly one-hour tutorials.

Seminar - These will run as two-hourly seminars and where appropriate be consolidated over one or two days to enable students to run a mini-conference or research seminar in which to present their proposed project to their peers and tutors and receive feedback.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   8
These will run as two-hourly seminars and where appropriate be consolidated over one or two days to enable students to run a mini-conference or research seminar in which to present their proposed project to their peers and tutors and receive feedback.
4
Students will be offered the opportunity to discuss their progress in designing their project in a series of fortnightly one-hour tutorials.
      12
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 138
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  15/20 minute present  Semester 2  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) 15-20 minute oral presentation and written project 1500-3000 words  

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Biggam, John, Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Handbook, 2nd Edition (Maidenhead: Open University Press, 2011)

Cottrell, Stella, Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014)

Durant, Alan and Nigel Fabb, How to Write Essays and Dissertations: A Guide for English Literature Students 2nd Edition (Harlow: Pearson Education, 2005)

Turley, Richard Marggraf, Writing Essays: A Guide for Students in English and the Humanities (London: Routledge, 2000)

Wallace, Mike, and Alison Wray, Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates (London: Sage, 2011)

Wisker, Gina, The Postgraduate Research Handbook 2nd edition (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008)