EN3DIS: Dissertation

Module code: EN3DIS

Module provider: English Literature; School of Humanities

Credits: 40

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Stephen Thomson, email: s.thomson@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): You cannot take this module with a 40-credit capstone project offered by another Department. (Open)Before taking this module, you must have at least 40 credits of EN-coded modules at Part 1 (except for visiting students). (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The Dissertation is a substantial (8,000-word) work of literary-critical argument, based on sustained independent research under the guidance of a supervisor, and written and presented in a scholarly manner. Prior to completing the dissertation students who take this module submit a 2,000-word portfolio of supporting documents, including a sample of dissertation-level work. The module offers students the opportunity to explore in depth topics of particular interest, and to develop skills accumulated during their first two years of study. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate broad, deep, and coherent knowledge of English literature in its principal modes and genres: across poetry, prose, and drama; covering a range of historical periods; and comprehending the regional variety and global reach of the English language
2. Apply discipline-specific practices of close reading, interpretative analysis and critical argument
3. Distinguish and evaluate different research methods, themes, and theoretical debates in current literary studies
4. Undertake autonomous learning, enquiry and research within the discipline of English literature, applying their mastery of relevant knowledge, skills and methods
5. Discuss and appraise published research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, within the field of English literature
6. Articulate their own and other people’s ideas concisely, accurately, and clearly.

Module content

The Dissertation provides students with the challenge of producing an extended piece of independent literary criticism on a topic arising from their own interests. The acceptable range of topics is extremely wide, and may include such projects as the study of a single author, a comparative analysis of two or more authors, an enquiry into aspects of form, style, genre or literary movement, the application of a particular methodology to selected materials, etc. The only restrictions on choice are that the topic must be capable of substantive critical development, and that – while the topic may relate to or grow out of work previously undertaken – it must not overlap unduly with taught materials covered in other modules the student has taken in Part 2 or is taking in Part 3.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

While preparatory workshops on dissertation skills are organized in the Spring and Summer terms of Year 2, the module consists primarily of independent study and writing in consultation with a designated dissertation supervisor.  

After consultation with their personal tutor, students submit their Dissertation Option Form during the Spring Term of Part 2. The name of the supervisor to which the student is assigned will be posted at the beginning of the Summer Term. Students should meet with their supervisor to receive preliminary guidance before the end of the Summer Term. Thereafter, students are entitled to five supervision sessions during the Autumn and Spring of Part 3, and they will also attend group supervision sessions during the Autumn Term of Part 3.  

Study hours

At least 9 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Supervisors will read and comment on one draft of no more than 4,000 words of the Dissertation, provided that it is submitted by a date in the second semester specified by the department. 

Reassessment

Additional costs