ENMCHD-Dissertation

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 90 [45 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Karin Lesnik-Oberstein
Email: k.b.lesnik-oberstein@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to enable students to conceive and select an appropriate topic on which to write a dissertation; and to read and analyse their selected texts closely in terms of the critical ideas and problems to which they have been introduced throughout the MA. This module also therefore aims to enable students to reconsider the formulations of their critical arguments further, in terms of how and why they may present their analyses in their dissertations.

Aims:
This module aims to enable students to conceive and select an appropriate topic on which to write a dissertation; and to read and analyse their selected texts closely in terms of the critical ideas and problems to which they have been introduced throughout the MA. This module also therefore aims to enable students to reconsider the formulations of their critical arguments further, in terms of how and why they may present their analyses in their dissertations.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected students will be able to:

• write a well conceived, clearly written, coherently argued, and well-presented dissertation that demonstrates their ability to recognize theoretical issues and problems, and to consider and address the implications of such issues and problems throughout their dissertation.

Additional outcomes:
This module will challenge students to formulate questions and recognise relevant problems and complexities, to examine and question their own assumptions and arguments, and, where appropriate, to analyse arguments made by others in terms of their assumptions and claims.

Outline content:
The dissertation will be written on a subject chosen by the student in consultation with the Programme Director and the dissertation supervisor, and subject to the approval of the Programme Director. It is expected that it will be a piece of original research, conceived and written by the student.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be between 5 and 15 hours of individual supervision. In addition, there will be a series of seminars at the start of the Summer term to prepare the students for writing and presenting an extensive piece of scholarly and critical work.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision			15
Practicals classes and workshops			6
Guided independent study:			879
Total hours by term			900
Total hours for module	900

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not applicable.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students must produce a 20,000-word dissertation on a topic of their own choice within an area to do with children's literature. The specific title will be determined by the student in consultation with their dissertation supervisor and the Programme Director.

Formative assessment methods:
Students will submit several drafts of chapters, and they will receive tutorial feedback on these drafts.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
In order to be eligible for the award of the degree, candidates must obtain a mark of 50% or over on their dissertation.

Reassessment arrangements:
A failed dissertation to be re-submitted within one year from the original submission date.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023