MLMDIS-Dissertation

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

Module Convenor: Prof Federico Faloppa
Email: f.faloppa@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of the Dissertation is to allow students to engage in an original research on an appropriate, clearly delimited topic of their own choosing from an area of their MA programme, and to present their material in a convincing and persuasive manner. The Dissertation also allows students to collect, analyse and discuss original data from their fieldwork or placement (if any), and to write a solid piece of work which may introduce them to scholarly networks in the UK and abroad.

Aims:

The general aim is to equip students with the necessary understanding, knowledge and skills to formulate research problems, develop and apply appropriate investigative approaches, interpret data and present findings.

By the end of the module, students will have been expected to:

set up sound research questions;

• undertake independent research using library and non-library sources (the web, the press, interviews etc.) as appropriate;


• show an ability to plan, organise and synthesise material gathered during their research:


• select a methodology appropriate to their topic and research questions;


• collect original data to analyse and discuss through the selected methodology;


• present their research with clarity, paying due regard to the sequencing of argument, the relevance and range of supportive evidence, and correct use of bibliographies, footnotes and general layout;


• demonstrate, where relevant, a confident awareness of and engagement with critical debates surrounding the selected topic;


• exercise skills of editing, proof-reading and formal presentation to standards of scholarly accuracy.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate ability in the following areas:

• identify a suitable topic for academic research and formulate appropriate and rigorous research questions, aims and objectives for that topic;


• plan and conduct a search for literature relevant to the research question; evaluate and critically review that literature; cite references correctly;


• develop a research strategy, using an appropriate sample set, source of data and analysis approach for investigating their research question;


• assemble a body of original data on a selected topic;


• undertake analysis and evaluation of data


• acquire the relevant knowledge, awareness and appreciation of ethical issues and ensure their own research is ethical.

Additional outcomes:

Students are expected:

• to consolidate their skills in interpersonal communication, written communication, critical thinking, problem solving and time management;


• to bear in mind the required word-length, the extent of their existing knowledge of the subject, and the facilities for research available to them;


• to prepare, with guidance from a supervisor, a 15,000 words (± 10%) on a selected topic, excluding references and bibliography;


• avoid plagiarism in their writing.

Outline content:

Students will be provided with clear guidance on:

• approaches to research;


• research design and research ethics;


• critical literature review and research positioning;


• specific research methods;


• specific data collection preparation;


• tailored traning and support if data collection is performed during fieldwork/academic placement. 

Students are given introductory training on MA Dissertation requirements and research techniques in the Autumn Term. By Tuesday of Week 7 of the same Spring Term they must have:

• obtained approval for their topic, and a working title, from the convenor for this module and from a supervisor (who will normally be from the School of Literature and Languages, but could be also from partner Departments and Schools, whenever appropriate)


• prepared, in consultation with the supervisor, a provisional bibliography and a draft plan.

The module consists largely of independent research and writing. The required dissertation length will be 15,000 words (± 10%) excluding references and bibliography.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Project supervisions, which may include tailored preparation to fieldwork; practical classes and workshops; independent study (including fieldwork); writing up.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	2	4	4
Practicals classes and workshops		3	3
Guided independent study:
Other	84	350	350
Dissertation writing			100
Total hours by term	86	357	457
Total hours for module	900

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students must submit a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice, within the field of Migration Studies and Intecultural Communication.  The specific nature and title of the dissertation will be arrived at in consultation with the dissertation supervisor and the Programme Director.

Formative assessment methods:

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:

A mark of 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of failed elements. Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements.

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: 25 April 2023