Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3040: Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Module Aims

The object of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to display your abilities in the collection, handling and ordering of material, and to be an exercise in the communication of ideas, appropriate to research topics chosen, with help and guidance from members of the academic staff, by themselves. The aims are to afford you the opportunity to obtain a good knowledge of the issues that pertain to your dissertation topics. It will also develop your ability to explore and present sociological arguments in relation to empirical data provided by library research and/or fieldwork, where the latter is undertaken. If you are enrolled on a Q-Step programme you will be required to undertake a quantitative dissertation.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate knowledge of the field/issues which form the subject matter of the dissertation;
2. construct a valid argument pertaining to the subject matter of the dissertation;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate knowledge of appropriate sociological literature and the ability to discuss sociological arguments and theories from that literature;
4. demonstrate the relevant skills associated with the collection, analysis and ordered presentation of material from sociological sources and/or sourced using sociological methods;
Personal and Key Skills5. carry out independent study, including the written presentation of material collected through the mode of learning; and
6. select, digest and organise material to present to a deadline a coherent and cogent argument developed through the preparation and writing of the dissertation.