ENMCHD-Dissertation

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 90 [45 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Karin Lesnik-Oberstein
Email: k.b.lesnik-oberstein@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to enable students to conceive and select an appropriate topic on which to write a dissertation; and to read and analyse their selected texts closely in terms of the critical ideas and problems to which they have been introduced throughout the MA. This module also therefore aims to enable students to reconsider the formulations of their critical arguments further, in terms of how and why they may present their analyses in their dissertations.

Aims:
This module aims to enable students to conceive and select an appropriate topic on which to write a dissertation; and to read and analyse their selected texts closely in terms of the critical ideas and problems to which they have been introduced throughout the MA. This module also therefore aims to enable students to reconsider the formulations of their critical arguments further, in terms of how and why they may present their analyses in their dissertations.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected students will be able to:

• write a well conceived, clearly written, coherently argued, and well-presented dissertation that demonstrates their ability to recognize theoretical issues and problems, and to consider and address the implications of such issues and problems throughout their dissertation.

Additional outcomes:
This module will challenge students to formulate questions and recognise relevant problems and complexities, to examine and question their own assumptions and arguments, and, where appropriate, to analyse arguments made by others in terms of their assumptions and claims.

Outline content:
The dissertation will be written on a subject chosen by the student in consultation with the Programme Director and the dissertation supervisor, and subject to the approval of the Programme Director. It is expected that it will be a piece of original research, conceived and written by the student.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be between 5 and 15 hours of individual supervision. In addition, there will be a series of seminars at the start of the Summer term to prepare the students for writing and presenting an extensive piece of scholarly and critical work.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not applicable.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students must produce a 20,000-word dissertation on a topic of their own choice within an area to do with children's literature. The specific title will be determined by the student in consultation with their dissertation supervisor and the Programme Director.

Formative assessment methods:
Students will submit several drafts of chapters, and they will receive tutorial feedback on these drafts.

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: