HS3HLD-Dissertation in History

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Heike Schmidt
Email: h.i.schmidt@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module leads to the completion of a dissertation of 10,000 words, excluding title page, contents page, references, tables, illustrations and their captions, appendices, and bibliography. It allows for an extended in-depth examination of a historical topic, based on guided independent research.

Aims:

This module leads to the completion of a dissertation of 10,000 words, excluding title page, contents page, references, tables, illustrations and their captions, appendices, and bibliography. It allows for an extended in-depth examination of a historical topic, based on guided independent research

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Produce an extended piece of in-depth historical research demonstrating their skills as a historian
• Achieve a detailed command of the main issues of their chosen topic, based on guided independent research
• Acquire a detailed knowledge of their chosen topic through extensive reading of specialised literature and primary sources
• Locate and assemble information on the topic through their own research
• Appraise critically the primary sources and h istorical interpretations of the topic
• Organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing using proper referencing conventions
• Make an effective oral presentation on their dissertation topic and respond effectively to questions thereon

Additional outcomes:

The dissertation aims to develop powers of synthesis and analysis, and of summary. Students develop IT skills through word processing, the use of on-line resources, bibliographical searching, and a high standard of presentation.

Outline content:

This module is compulsory for all single-subject History students. Students taking Ancient History and History, Archaeology and History, Classical and Medieval Studies, History and Economics, History and English, History and International Relations, History and Philosophy, or History and Politics, may elect to take a dissertation in either History or their other subject. Modern Languages and History students may choose to take the History Dissertation in their final year. ML students take 60 credits in History in their final year - 40 credits either in the Dissertation, or a 40-credit Special Subject, plus 20-credit Topic module.

Students will be asked to identify their dissertation topic on their dissertation proposal form. This must not overlap with a Special Subject module. A supervisor will be assigned to comment on its overall viability, as formal approval of the topic is required. Dissertations may involve the examination of a specific body of primary sourc e material, the evaluation of a particular historical controversy, or a combination of the two. Students are expected to begin their background preparation during the Summer Term of Part Two, to undertake the bulk of their research during the summer vacation, and to work on their dissertation in the Autumn and Spring terms of their third year, before submission on the first day of the Summer term.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Supervisors are available to provide advice and assistance. Overall, students may expect six tutorial contact hours. In addition, students should attend the dissertation lecture organised by the Department in the Autumn Term of Part Three. The supervisor will read and comment on a draft section of not more than 3,500 words, and a dissertation plan of 1- 2 pages, provided it is submitted by the end of week 4 of the Spring Term of Part Three. Feedback will also be given on the oral presentation .

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1
Tutorials	2	2	2
Guided independent study:	393
Total hours by term	396	2	2
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An oral presentation of 10 minutes, with 5 minutes questioning, at the end of the Autumn term, and a dissertation of 10,000 words (excluding title page, contents page, references, tables, illustrations and their captions, appendices  and bibliography) to be submitted by 12 noon on the first day of the Summer term in both hard copy and electronic format via Blackboard. Five marks will be deducted if the dissertation exceeds 10,500 words (i.e. 5% over the word limit). The presentation accounts for 10% of the assessment, the dissertation accounts for 90%.  

Formative assessment methods:

The supervisor will read and comment on a draft section of not more than 3,500 words, and a dissertation plan of 1- 2 pages, provided it is submitted by the end of week 4 of the Spring Term of Part Three.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
100%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who fail Part Three are permitted one further attempt at a resit in each module they have failed. Students who fail Part Three will no longer be eligible for an Honours Degree but, assuming the necessary threshold after the resit (normally an overall average of 35% or above) is achieved, students will obtain a Pass Degree. Where a re-sit is permitted, students who failed HS3HLD will be assessed on the re-submitted dissertation ONLY in August, and it will be capped at a maximum mark of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the third Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: Approx £10-20 for the printing and binding costs depending on page length and use of colour for images 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 15 July 2021