Dissertation in Hispanic Studies
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC3054 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 3 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- MLAC3054
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
In this module, the student works independently under the supervision of a member of academic staff to plan, research and write a dissertation of not more than 7000 words. The subject of the dissertation is normally, but not necessarily, linked to the student's Year Abroad experience, and is supervised by a member of staff whose area of specialist knowledge embraces or closely abuts the subject. The dissertation provides the candidate with the opportunity to study a specialised subject in depth. The student is required to prove in their submitted dissertation that they have read broadly on their subject, that they can develop and sustain a well-argued position over the duration of 7000 words, and can take appropriate decisions on structuring their argument and on relative weighting of and focus on different aspects of the topic.
Target Students
Available for Single Honours (Hispanic Studies), Joint Honours involving Hispanic Studies, Modern European Studies. Students must have an average of 60 or above in Part 1 to be able to take this module.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks. Regular individual consultations.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: One 5,000 - 7,000 word dissertation.
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide the student with the training necessary to be able to engage independently, under the guidance of a supervisor, on research in a topic chosen by the student on the basis of their Year Abroad experience. The student will be advised on how how to sustain an argument over 6,000 words and how to underpin it with appropriate research.Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding
Students will (A1) read and comprehend complex texts in Spanish/ Portuguese; (A2) acquire an in-depth awareness of the cultural, historical and political contexts appropriate to the Hispanic/Lusophone culture(s) addressed, (A3) develop an appreciation of the relationship between their own cultural, historical and social backgrounds and those of those aspects of the Hispanic/Lusophone worlds to which they are exposed; (A4) handle with assurance a range of critical and analytical stratagems and tools in their approach to these areas.
2. Intellectual skills
Students are given the tools with which to (B1) engage in informed discussion of literary and/or film texts and genres OR of historical material, archive texts and/or other cultural/sociological documentation from Hispanic/Lusophone cultures; (B2) demonstrate a critical awareness of the historical and socio-political contexts of Hispanic/Lusophone cultures; (B4) deploy effectively a range of critical stratagems and approaches in their analytical work.
3. Professional/practical skills
The training offered during the course of the Hispanic Studies elements of the degree allows students to (C3) undertake relevant research and construct a reasoned argument on a topic/issue in English either orally or in writing.
4. Transferable/key skills
Students are provided with the training to be able to demonstrate (D2) effective comprehension of written Spanish/Portuguese; (D3) the ability to construct and defend a coherent and well-researched argument in English; (D4) appropriate preparation skills in relation to written documents, oral presentation, illustrations and handouts and the delivery of oral presentations; (D5) sufficient cross-cultural understanding to be able to negotiate effectively between cultures, particularly Hispanic/Lusophone cultures and their own culture of origin; (D6) general research skills; (D7) time-management, prioritising and general organisational skills.