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Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PL30670: Politics dissertation

Click here for further information Credits: 12
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Academic Year
Click here for further information Assessment: DS 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: 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, Politics with International Relations 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.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PL30670 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB13 : BA (hons) French and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB12 : BA (hons) German and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB16 : BA (hons) Italian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB14 : BA (hons) Italian and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB15 : BA (hons) Russian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB11 : BA (hons) Russian and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AYB17 : BA (hons) Spanish and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AAB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UHPL-AFB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHPL-AKB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.