Convenor: Professor Oliver Davis

This 60 CATS module aims to equip the student with advanced knowledge and understanding of a chosen area/topic in the study of Modern Languages and Cultures. The dissertation (15,000 words) allows the student to extend and deepen their grasp of the discipline as well as to hone their experience of research techniques, and of information retrieval and organisation. The dissertation further allows the student to develop their academic writing skills and their ability to present material in the appropriate scholarly format. In combination with the other elements of the MA course, the dissertation helps to lay the foundation for further study.

Outline syllabus

The Syllabus for the Dissertation will be determined by its topic and the research questions posed. Supervision will start at the end of the Spring term, to continue over the Summer term and the vacation, up to the date of submission, according to the following pattern:

• Term 2: 1 initial supervision in week 8
• Term 3: 4 supervisions, one in each of weeks 2, 4, 6, 9
• Vacation: 1 supervision

In addition to face-to-face supervision there may also be contact/feedback on drafts by e-mail.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able:

• To demonstrate awareness and appropriate understanding of one or more selected topics or critical debates or trends in the discipline of Modern Languages, or a cognate area or discipline (e.g. modern literary theory; political thought; the history of ideas; film studies etc.)
• To demonstrate the ability to deploy research skills in Modern Languages as appropriate to the chosen area/topic of study (e.g. ability to use appropriate electronic resources, to use a critical edition with an apparatus of variant readings)
• To present material effectively in a scholarly written format (written communication skills; literacy; IT-skills

Assessment

A 15,000 word dissertation on a previously agreed topic.