MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1. The title of the module
PO590 Specialist Dissertation
2. The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Politics and International Relations
3. The Start Date of the Module
PO590 was first introduced in September 2004. These specifications reflect a minor change in the assessment pattern – the re-introduction of assessed progress reports – which if approved will take effect in September 2011.
4. The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable.
PO590 is a final year module. It will be applicable to students having started three-year programmes in 2009 and to students having started four-year programmes in 2008.
5. The number of students expected to take the module
Approximately 75.
6. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None.
7. The level of the module
H (FHEQ Level: 6).
8. The number of credits which the module represents
30 credits.
9. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring terms.
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
PO590 can only be taken in Stage 3. Only students with a coursework average of at least 60% in Stage 2 are to be allowed to register for this module (this refers to coursework marks, not the overall module marks which may be both coursework and exam marks).
11. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
PO590 is an optional module that is open to all students taking degrees in the School of Politics and International Relations (including joint honours degrees). Students considering graduate studies are especially encouraged to take PO590. The module cannot be taken as a wild unit by students from other schools.
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
PO590 allows students to do independent research, under supervision, on a political science topic close to their specialist interests. Thus the dissertation module gives them the opportunity to further these interests and to acquire a wide range of study and research skills in the process. All dissertation topics have to be approved by the module convenor as well as by an academic supervisor.
On successful completion of the PO590 module, students
12.1: will be able to explain and justify the significance of their research by relating it to ongoing debates in politics and/or political science
12.2: will be familiar with the literature relevant to their research project
12.3: will be familiar with the theories, concepts and methods relevant to their research projects
12.4: will be able to examine and critically evaluate different theories and interpretations of political events, issues and solutions to political problems as required by their dissertation projects, and be able to support the evaluation with evidence and reasoning
12.5: will be able to conduct research independently by drawing on feedback from peers and academic supervisors, by exercising reflection and self-criticism, and by managing time and resources effectively
12.6: will be able to communicate the findings of their research effectively and fluently, both orally (in a conference setting) and in a substantial piece of writing (8,000-word dissertation)
These specific learning outcomes contribute to achieving the learning outcomes of the BA in Politics and International Relations by demonstrating knowledge of the following:
A1. key concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics and international relations and their application to the analysis of political ideas, institutions, practices and issues in the global arena (12.2-12.4)
A3. the social, economic, historical and cultural contexts of political institutions and behaviour (12.2-12.4, depending on the dissertation topic)
A4. the political dynamics of interaction between people, events, ideas and institutions (12.2-12.4)
A5. factors accounting for political change (12.1 depending on the dissertation topic)
A6. the contestable nature of many concepts and different approaches to the study of Politics and International Relations (12.4)
A9. the nature and significance of politics as a global activity (12.1-12.4)
C1. understanding the nature and significance of politics as a human and global activity (12.1)
C2. application of concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics and international relations to the analysis of political ideas, institutions, practices and issues in the global arena (12.2-12.4)
C3. evaluate different interpretations of world political events and issues (12.4)
C4. describe, evaluate and apply different approaches to collecting, analysing and presenting political information (12.5-12.6)
C5. knowledge of contending and comparative approaches to theories and concepts of politics and international relations (12.2-12.4)
13. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module
13.1: will be familiar with the various stages of the research process in political science – from formulating a meaningful and feasible research question to conducting the research and presenting the research findings
13.2: will be able to conduct systematic bibliographical research drawing on a wide range of sources including books, journals and online resources
13.3: will be able to undertake analysis of complex areas of knowledge and make carefully constructed arguments and advocate solutions to practical and/or academic problems
13.4: will be able to engage in academic and professional communication with others
13.5: will have independent learning ability required for further study or professional work
13.6: will be able to complete a substantial research project within a limited timeframe, which presents a coherent argument that is supported by evidence, reason and critical judgement.
By helping students to progress towards these generic learning outcomes, the module contributes to achieving the learning outcomes of the BA in Politics and International Relations by enabling students to demonstrate the ability to
B1. gather, organize and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources (13.2)
B2. identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems (13.3)
B3. develop reasoned arguments, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement (13.1, 13.6)
B4. reflect on, and manage, their own learning and seek to make use of constructive feedback from peers and staff to enhance their performance and personal skills (13.2)
B5. manage their own learning self-critically (13.2)
D1. communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing (13.4)
D2. use communication and information technology for the retrieval and presentation of information, including, where appropriate, statistical or numerical information (13.2)
D3. work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organization and time-management (13.5)
D4. collaborate with others to achieve common goals (13.2 & 13.4)
14. A synopsis of the curriculum
The module is taught over two terms and includes lectures, seminars, and a student conference. The module will guide the students through the research process from an initial “problem” to formulating a suitable “research question”, to choosing a method and research design, to conducting the research; from taking notes to drafting chapters; from deciding on the chapter breakdown to the writing of the dissertation; from developing an argument to presenting it at a student conference. The curriculum includes structured opportunities for students to discuss their research ideas with each other as well as mock panel presentations in preparation of the student conference.
15. Indicative Reading List
Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph. M. Williams, The Craft of Research (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2nd ed. 2003)
Martin Brett Davies, Doing a Successful Research Project (Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2007)
Zina O’Leary, The Essential Guide to Doing Research (London: Sage, 2004)
Roger Pierce, Research Methods in Politics (London: Sage, 2008)
David M. Silbergh, Doing dissertations in politics: A student guide (London: Routledge, 2001)
Nicholas Walliman, Your Undergraduate Dissertation: The Essential Guide for Success (London: Sage, 2004)
16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
Learning and Teaching / Contact hoursLectures There will be 13 lectures (Autumn: 8, Spring: 5) which will (a) introduce students to the research skills required to do independent research in political science and (b) give positive and negative example of such research. / 13 contact hours
Seminars
The lectures are followed by seminars in which students can discuss and apply these skills to their own projects. / 13 contact hours
Student ConferenceThe Student Conference will take place during the Spring tem. Students will give presentations, discuss the presentations of others, and participate in panel discussions. / 8 contact hours
Meetings with ‘Academic Supervisors’Each PO590 student will have an ‘academic supervisor’, a member of the School who will normally be an expert on the topic chosen by the student. Academic advisors will advise students on their readings, their project outline, and they may comment on the student’s progress at a later stage in his/her work. / Ca. 5 contact hours
Independent studyDuring this period students are expected to work on their dissertations. / 261 study and research hours
L&T Method / Learning Outcomes / Relationship
Lectures / 12.1, 12.4,13.1, 13.2 / The lectures will present the various steps students will have to take during their research, from choosing a title to compiling a bibliography.
Seminars / 12.4, 12.5, 13.1,13.3-13.6 / The seminars are especially important as they link the understanding of the research process and the actual “doing” of the research.
Student Conference / mainly 12.1, 12.6, 13.4 / At the Student Conference students will present their work and respond to questions from the audience.
Meetings with ‘Academic Advisor’ / 12.1, 12.2-12.4, 12.5, 13.4, 13.5 / The ‘Academic Advisor’ will guide the students towards the relevant (general and specialised) literature, help with the design of the project and offer subject-specific advice.
Independent Study / 12.2-12.4, 13.1-13.2,13.6 / Working on their dissertations, students have to apply and develop the skills and the knowledge acquired during lectures, seminars and meetings with advisors.
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
Type of Assessment / Task / Learning Outcomes assessed / Contribution to final markPresentation at Student Conference / Students have to give a 15-20 minute presentation on their research project at the Student Conference / mainly 12.1, 12.6, 13.4 / 20%
Dissertation Outline / Students have to prepare a 1000-word outline of their thesis. / 12.1-12.4, 13.1-13.5 / 5%
Progress Report File / Students have to complete three progress reports during the year, which are to be signed off by their supervisors / 12.5, 13.1, 13.5 / 5%
Dissertation / Students have to write an 8000-word dissertation. / 12.1-12.6, 13.1-13.6 / 70%
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Staff: No additional resources required
Library: No additional resources required
IT: No additional resources required
Space: No additional resources required
19. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities. Power point presentations are provided for each lecture and are made available through the course folder for easy reading.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
......Director of Learning and Teaching
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Print Name / ......
Date
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the Department has approved the introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by Departmental staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
......Head of Department
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Print Name / ......
Date
Minor Revision to module specification approved 24 October 2011