HST6560: Dissertation
60 credits (full year)
Dissertations Co-ordinator: Dr James Shaw
| Module Summary |
Students undertake an individual research project, based on an identifiable collection of primary sources and present their findings in a dissertation of 15,000 words. The dissertation represents an original piece of independent research and should be based on a substantial primary source base and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the secondary literature. Through the dissertation students demonstrate their practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret historical knowledge. Students will work under the supervision of an expert member of staff who will provide guidance and regular tutorial support.
| Module Aims |
The dissertation aims to help students to identify an area of historical enquiry and an appropriate primary source collection to engage in independent historical research. It provides them with the opportunity to use the skills and methods learnt during the first part of the course and to apply their historical understanding to the investigation of questions of their own devising.
| Supervision |
In the first weeks of the academic year students should consider the area they wish to study for the dissertation and should arrange to speak with potential supervisors to discuss ideas. In Week 7 students are asked to confirm their research topic and supervisor. In their first meeting the student and supervisor should discuss the kind of support needed, and should arrange to meet regularly to discuss progress.
In Week 3 of the second semester, students are asked to submit a 2-page synopsis form that has been agreed with supervisors. This may may include information on: sources, historiographical context, methodological and/or theoretical approach, outline of dissertation structure and research questions. By the end of the second semester students will normally have made good progress with the research and will continue writing the dissertation over the summer. Meetings may be less frequent, or virtual, during the summer vacation but students can expect their supervisor to read a draft of the dissertation and offer comments either via email or in person.
Students are asked to submit:
- A dissertation title registration form submitted digitally through MOLE, by Wednesday 16th November, 2011 (12 noon).
- A dissertation synopsis submitted digitally through MOLE, by Wednesday 22nd February, 2012 (12 noon).
Forms are available on MOLE in the HST6560 folder.
| Submission |
The bibliography for the dissertation (non-assessed but compulsory) must be submitted by 12 noon, Wednesday 14th March 2012. The dissertation must be submitted by 12 noon, Wednesday 5th September 2012. It must be bound in a permanent and secure binding; you are strongly recommended to use the binding service provided by the University's Printing Services Department. Spiral binding is not recommended. The title-page of the dissertation must include the following information: your registration number, the full title of the dissertation; your supervisor's name; and the statement:
'A dissertation submitted in part-fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MA in (your degree), University of Sheffield, September 2012.'
Dissertations will be marked anonymously, please do not put your name anywhere on your dissertation.
The word limit for MA dissertations is 15,000 words. At the time of submission you will further be required to complete a proforma supplied by the postgraduate secretary stating the total number of words in your dissertation (including footnotes but excluding the bibliography) and to sign a statement that this is your own work and not the result of any collaboration. That will be filed separately and should not be bound into your dissertation.
| Intended Learning Outcomes |
Students who have successfully completed a dissertation will have demonstrated:
- An ability to engage in independent and extended research within a defined area of historical enquiry.
- A capacity to formulate and sustain a logical and, where possible, original historical argument based on the information collected.
- An ability to work from primary sources, providing appropriate evidence to support historical argument, and referencing the sources of the evidence used.
- An ability to write about the past in good English, showing an awareness of History as a literary discipline and a developing sense of literary style.