Doctoral Training in Politics (POL618) First Year of Study
Level: PhD
Module Leader: Dr Liam Stanley
Email Address: l.m.stanley@sheffield.ac.uk
Module Structure and Aims
The purpose of this workshop programme is to work through some of the practical, methodological, and professional challenges of starting and completing a high quality doctoral thesis. By the end of this module, you will: (i) have greater self-knowledge and confidence on the path to becoming an established scholar; (ii) be socialised into the doctoral programme in the Department of Politics and International Relations; and (iii) be prepared for the confirmation review process. To achieve this, we will cover topics such research questions, knowledge claims, and thesis structure. You will be assessed on a pass/fail basis through a portfolio relating to the workshop activities. Participation in this workshop series is a requirement of your PhD training programme
Module Requirements
● Attendance at all workshops.
● Completion of all core readings.
● Full and active participation in workshop discussions.
● Submission of portfolio for formal assessment.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a portfolio based on small pieces of writing (1,000 words) relating to the content of Workshops 1-4. The four components of this portfolio are as follows:
1. Workshop 1 assessment on scholarly identity and journey, due Thursday 2nd November midday.
2. Workshop 2 assessment on thesis framing and research questions, due Thursday 9th November midday.
3. Workshop 3 assessment on the research design of your thesis, due Thursday 23rd November midday.
4. Workshop 4 assessment on the structure of your thesis, due Thursday 7th December midday.
The details of each portfolio component will be shared during the workshops. The portfolios sill be assessed on a pass/fail basis and you need to submit at least two of the four components.
Please see the POL618 2023-24 document for required reading.
You will be automatically registered on core departmental and Faculty wide modules and informed of sessions via email or calendar alerts.