Module SOC3040 for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC3040: Dissertation
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. display an ability to apply sociological methods and concepts of analysis to independently researched material; 2. display in depth understanding of the field/issues which form the subject matter of the dissertation; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. display comprehensive knowledge of relevant sociological literature; 4. demonstrate a general understanding of key debates in sociological theory; 5. collect, analyse and present original research material with reference to appropriate sociological approaches and theories; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 6. select, digest and organise material collected in independent research; 7. manage and organize the different phases of the research project from conception to final presentation; 8. prepare a substantive written presentation of the material and arguments. |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial dissertation plan and reading list | 1,500 words | 1,4,6 | Written feedback |
| Presentation of work-in-progress Term 1 | 5 minutes | 1,2,3,4,6 | Verbal feedback |
| Presentation of work-in-progress Term 2 | 5 minutes | 1,2,3,4,6 | Verbal feedback |
| First draft of dissertation | Variable with the aim to submit as complete a draft as possible | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | Written feedback |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final dissertation (integrating the dissertation plan, first draft, and bibliography) | 100 | 9,000 words | 1-6 | Written feedback |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Dissertation (9,000 words) | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Where you have been referred/deferred for your written assignment, you will have the opportunity to submit new assignment in the August/September reassessment period.
