Module: HIS6002-40 Dissertation

Credit Value: 40

Module Tutor: Cliff Williamson

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.williamson@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module presents you with the opportunity to prepare and produce a sustained and substantial piece of work over the course of your final year of study. This can take one of the following forms:

1. A History Dissertation, in which you present your own research on and analysis of an agreed topic

2. A Placement with one more of our partner organisations, documented through a portfolio of work and your critical reflections on this

3. A Public History Project, through which you develop your expertise in presenting historical subjects to diverse audiences

2.Outline syllabus:

The preliminary stages of the module provides the basis for your own work, focusing on (depending on your intended final submission)

• Thinking about what might work for you: dissertation, placement or project?

• Scoping a proposal and assessing the viability of your project

• Developing Research Questions and Themes / Project Objectives

• Sources and Resources

• Methods and Ethics

• Formative assessment and responding to feedback

• Skills audit and professional development planning

• Project planning and management

This initial stage allows you to scope out a realistic proposal and project plan that addresses your own interests and ambitions, and allows you to develop an agreed piece of work in the most appropriate way for you, in relation to them. There will be clear stages in exploring ideas, testing them out, and only then confirming the route you intend to take.

The remainder of the module comprises independent study when you’ll put what you’ve learned into practice, compiling, editing and gaining feedback on your emerging research, writing, practical work and / or project. You will be supported in this through group work and individual supervisions. By meeting with your supervisor on a regular basis, you’ll be able to track your progress against your project plan, identify gaps and opportunities, and work out how to address these.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Group lectures and workshops, small group seminars, one-to-one tutorials, feedback and response to feedback.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: History Dissertation (10000 words) or Placement Portfolio and Critical Assessment (equiv. 10000 words) or Public History Project Portfolio and Critical Assessment (equiv. 10000 words)

• % Weighting: 100%