Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU30670 Politics dissertation |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Honours |
| Academic Year |
| Assessment: DS100 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The aim of the unit is for students to design and conduct a research project on an approved topic in politics (understood broadly to include related political aspects of related subjects such as social policy) under supervision. Advice and further details are given in the Programme Handbooks for Politics with Economics and Language & Politics students.
Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the unit successfully will have enhanced skills which are widely transferable in the workplace and will also be well-prepared for postgraduate study. They will have been able to demonstrate the ability to: * frame and develop a research topic in politics * research their topic in an appopriate range of sources * conduct a sustained analysis of their topic * present that analysis in writing in a clear and cogent manner * work independently. They will also have demonstrated a critical awareness of the importance of methodology and conceptual analysis in political research and writing. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are developed and assessed in this unit. Content: Students will choose a specific research topic and design and conduct a research project in consultation with a suitable supervisor. A formal outline must be submitted by the end of teaching in the first semester. Students will receive general advice and support throughout the year in the form of individual supervision. They will receive detailed feedback on initial plans, the outline and up to one-third of the final draft. |