Module: Dissertation Module

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Dissertation Module
Module Code	EL506 (ITS) / LIT1042 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	English
Module Co-ordinator	Jennifer Mooney
Module Teachers	James Shanahan, Keith O'Sullivan, Sharon Murphy
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

This module enables students to draw upon all of the knowledge and skills that they have developed so far, and to conduct original research on an aspect/area of children’s and/or YA literature commensurate with their interests. Students are guided throughout the year by a supervisor, and are also afforded the opportunity to present papers based on their work at research seminars. Students submit a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation based on their research at the end of the second semester.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to identify possible areas of research.
2. Articulate research questions clearly.
3. Identify primary and secondary sources that will facilitate their research.
4. Synthesise and evaluate the information and arguments drawn from such sources.
5. Select a research methodology appropriate to a given research question.
6. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of conceptualizing and structuring theses (focussing discussion and argument).
7. Present research in an appropriate academic style, manifesting a clear appreciation of the importance of presentation, referencing, and scholarly values.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Seminars	8	Supervision Sessions: Students are required to have a minimum of 4 meetings per semester with their supervisor
Seminars	4	Dissertation seminars: Students are required to attend dissertation workshops
Class Presentation	4	Research Seminars: Students are required to attend seminars that facilitate the delivery of research papers by fellow students
Seminars	3	Guest Speakers: Students are required to attend seminars given by guest speakers who are experts in a particular area of children’s and/or YA literature
Independent Study	431	Independent Research and Writing
Total Workload: 450

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Students submit a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation based on their research at the end of the second semester.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None