Sociology/Social Policy Dissertation
SO4200 Sociology/Social Policy Dissertation (15 ECTS
credits)
Lecturer(s): Dr Daniel Faas
Module Content/Outline:
The dissertation is available to single honours majors in sociology, final year TSM majors
and Sociology and Social Policy students. It involves writing a dissertation of a maximum of
12,000 words. Students work with an individual supervisor drawing on a research proposal
completed by Week 4 in Michaelmas Term (Wednesday 16th October 2013). Part I of the
fortnightly dissertation seminar (Michaelmas Term) discusses thematic issues including how
to formulate research questions, how to write a literature review, how to structure a
dissertation and how to connect theory, methodology and data. Part II (Hilary Term) is based
on individual presentations of students’ work in progress including problems encountered.
Learning Objectives:
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to:
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identify a sociological topic or problem and formulate appropriate research
question(s) to answer it;
critically discuss and synthesise relevant literature and link it with your research
problem;
discuss and reflect on your research methodology including ethical issues;
analyse data and link new original findings to existing literature and theoretical
aspects;
discuss and reflect on your work-in-progress through individual in-class
presentations;
demonstrate the research skills required to carry out postgraduate research;
write a dissertation to professional standards
Lectures & Tutorials/ Contact hours:
One hour per fortnight attendance at dissertation seminar, plus regular contact with
supervisor (see dissertation guidelines).
Workload:
Lectures: 10 hrs; Self-study/dissertation: 300-340 hrs. Total: 350 hours.
Recommended Texts/ Key Reading:
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Thomas, G. (2009) How to do your Research Project, London: Sage.
Walliman, N. (2004) Your Undergraduate Dissertation, London: Sage.
Assessment
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Penalties for late submission: Without an authorised extension, the mark given will be
lowered by one grade
Dissertation accounts for 100% of overall grade
Submission deadline: Thursday 2 April 2015