Sociology/Social Policy Dissertation
SO4200 Sociology/Social Policy Dissertation (15 ECTS credits)
Lecturer(s): Dr Daniel Faas
Module Content/Outline:
The dissertation is available to single honours majors in sociology, final year TSM majors and Sociology and Social Policy students. It involves writing a dissertation of a maximum of 12,000 words. Students work with an individual supervisor drawing on a research proposal completed by Week 4 in Michaelmas Term (Wednesday 16th October 2013). Part I of the fortnightly dissertation seminar (Michaelmas Term) discusses thematic issues including how to formulate research questions, how to write a literature review, how to structure a dissertation and how to connect theory, methodology and data. Part II (Hilary Term) is based on individual presentations of students’ work in progress including problems encountered.
Learning Objectives:
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:
- identify a sociological topic or problem and formulate appropriate research question(s) to answer it;
- critically discuss and synthesise relevant literature and link it with your research problem;
- discuss and reflect on your research methodology including ethical issues;
- analyse data and link new original findings to existing literature and theoretical aspects;
- discuss and reflect on your work-in-progress through individual in-class presentations;
- demonstrate the research skills required to carry out postgraduate research;
- write a dissertation to professional standards
Lectures & Tutorials/ Contact hours:
One hour per fortnight attendance at dissertation seminar, plus regular contact with supervisor (see dissertation guidelines).
Workload:
Lectures: 10 hrs; Self-study/dissertation: 300-340 hrs. Total: 350 hours.
Recommended Texts/ Key Reading:
- Thomas, G. (2009) How to do your Research Project, London: Sage.
- Walliman, N. (2004) Your Undergraduate Dissertation, London: Sage.
Assessment
- Penalties for late submission: Without an authorised extension, the mark given will be lowered by one grade
- Dissertation accounts for 100% of overall grade
- Submission deadline: Thursday 3 April 2013