DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY
DISSERTATION HANDBOOK
Introduction
This guide covers the background information you will need before you start your
dissertation. It will also be of considerable help to you during the final stages of your work
and contains the following main sections:
SECTION
THEME
Section 1
Aims, requirements and getting started
Section 2
Dissertation planning and the dissertation proposal
Section 3
Progress monitoring and advice on your dissertation
Section 4
Presentation and layout
Section 5
Dissertation marking criteria
Section 6
Regulations on plagiarism and collusion
Appendix 1
Dissertation general timetable
Appendix 2
Members of staff and areas of expertise
Appendix 3
Archaeology dissertation module descriptions
Appendix 4
Ethical considerations
Appendix 5
Safety considerations
Appendix 6
Dissertation title approval form
Appendix 7
Dissertation proposal form
Appendix 8
Dissertation submission form
SECTION 1: AIMS AND REQUIREMENTS
This section discusses the aims of dissertation work and what you are required to produce.
It also provides some guidance about what makes a good dissertation, and how you might
come up with a suitable dissertation topic.
1.1 AIMS
The aim of the dissertation is to give you an opportunity to display your skills in tackling
specific archaeological issues in some depth. You will have the chance to pursue a topic
that you have found interesting. The essence of the work is that you are able to
demonstrate your ability to undertake your own piece of independent research, set your
own goals and keep to your working schedules. The specific intended learning outcomes
are given in the module descriptions in Appendix 3.
1.2 NATURE OF STUDY
Subject to available resources, there are generally no restrictions on the type of
archaeological study that you can undertake. You may choose a subject area completely
outside the syllabus, as long as there are available source materials. Your dissertation
may be carried out within one of the thematic or period branches of the subject, or on a
regional basis, or on aspects of archaeological methodology. Studies involving first-hand
fieldwork data collection tend to be suitable in many cases, but comparative or critical
studies based on library/archive material are equally acceptable (see section 1.5 for
guidance on choosing a topic). The study must be, however, more than a mere
compilation of existing information, so that you can demonstrate some independent
thought. Your sources, whether of data, opinions or illustrations, must be made clear
throughout the work (see Section 6 on plagiarism and collusion).
1.3 REQUIREMENTS
Archaeology Single Honours students are required to produce a dissertation (ARC3000)
of no more than 9,000 words (excluding bibliography, tables and appendices). Your
dissertation is important as it counts for 30 credits (i.e. two papers) in the final
examinations.
Combined Honours students may opt to do a dissertation in either Archaeology
(ARC3000) or their other discipline or a joint dissertation. History and Archaeology
combined honours students may opt to do a joint dissertation (ARC3001) on a subject
embracing History and Archaeology. This also has a 9,000 word limit (excluding
bibliography, tables and appendices) and is valued at 30 credits. These credits can be
taken from either the Archaeology or History side of your programme, by negotiation.
Ancient History and Archaeology combined honours students may opt to do a joint
dissertation (ARC3004) on a subject embracing Ancient History and Archaeology. This
has a 10,000 word limit (excluding bibliography, tables and appendices) and is valued at
30 credits. These credits can be taken from either the Archaeology or Ancient History
side of your programme, by negotiation.
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1.4 WHAT MAKES A GOOD DISSERTATION?
1. A good problem, set in its academic context.
2. Clear statement of aims, research questions and objectives.
3. A logical research programme.
4. Clearly defined and appropriate methodology.
5. Adequate and appropriate data for the problem.
6. Adequate and appropriate data analysis.
7. Clear statement of results and your interpretation.
8. Well structured and clearly written.
9. Intellectual achievement.
10. Sound conclusions that relate to the stated aims and research questions.
11. Good presentation, including illustrations as appropriate
1.5 GETTING STARTED
Your dissertation should be framed within a broad area of study (a research topic). This
topic may relate to a particular archaeological period, a particular geographical region or a
particular type of archaeological site. Alternatively, it might relate to a particular theme in
archaeology theory and interpretation or an area of archaeological methodology. Within
this you should identify a research problem, this is a more specific, smaller issue within
the general topic. The research problem should lead to the identification of research
questions. These are specific questions that you ask in relation to your problem, i.e. how
you approach the problem. For example:
Research topic: Prehistoric stone circles.
Research problem: Variation in the character of Scottish stone circles.
Research questions that might arise from this include: In what ways do Scottish stone
circles vary in terms of design? Is this variation related to date of construction? Is the
variation related to different functions of the monuments? Is there any relationship
between circle type and the surrounding area, in terms of the ritual landscape and natural
topography? How does the variation in Scottish circle design compare with variation in
other regions of the British Isles? What are the problems associated with answering such
questions, in terms of methodology and the limitations of the evidence?
In choosing a topic you need to consider:
Is it interesting? Can the topic retain your interest and motivation?
Is it practical? Is there enough time available for data collection? What other
commitments (work, holidays) do you need to consider? Do you need permission for
access to field sites or other sources of data? Do you need assistance in the field? Is the
time required for analysis reasonable and realistic? Does the library have adequate
literature on the subject area? Can I get to the study area from a base in Exeter?
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Is it financially viable? Can you afford the transport, materials and inter-library loans (if
appropriate)? N.B. You may apply to the Department’s Fox-Lawrence Fund for financial
assistance related to your dissertation work.
What equipment do I need? Does the department have it? Will it be available? (applies
to both field and laboratory equipment)
Safety? Are there any risks that need to be identified in field or laboratory work (if
relevant)? We are unlikely to approve topics that could put students in any danger. If your
proposed field of study involves anything hazardous, this must be discussed with the
departmental safety officer before your topic is approved (see Appendix 5).
Identifying a research problem
You should choose a dissertation which reflects your interest in the subject and which
attempts to address current debates in archaeology. You may want to choose a field of
study that allows you to develop particular skills that will be of use to you in the future.
Ideas can often be gained from reading recent journal issues (e.g. major period journals,
Journal of Archaeological Science, Antiquity etc.) and from your second year modules.
Perhaps the most difficult part of the dissertation process is identifying a problem to
address. Once you have identified a suitable research topic, you need to decide what
particular aspect of the topic you are going to investigate. This requires you to be familiar
with what other research has already been done in the field, and what is of interest. Your
project must also be set in the context of this existing research. This means that you need
to carry out research in the library, checking journals, abstracts and databases before
finalising your topic or starting practical work. Below are some tips for generating research
ideas:
1. Follow up an idea that arose in a lecture.
2. Read articles or books on a topic that interests you.
3. Be on the lookout for ideas in the media: newspapers, radio, television etc.
4. Talk to organisations or individuals working in your area.
5. Think about your own outside interests and skills: can they generate a research
topic?
6. Have you decided on a future career path? Can the dissertation be made relevant
to that?
Parsons & Knight (1995) outline a series of ways in which a research problem can be
identified:
1. Nobody has investigated this topic…I will!
2. Bloggs (1990) investigated this topic and questioned the role of X. I’ll investigate the
role of Y.
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3. Bloggs (1990) investigated this topic at site X and found that…. I’ll investigate
whether or not the same is true at site Y.
4. Bloggs (1990) investigated this topic and suggested that X was controlled by Y and
Z. I’ll investigate whether or not this is the case.
5. Bloggs (1990) investigated this topic and found that…Have things changed since
then? I’ll repeat the study and compare results…if things are different/the same, I'll
explain why?
6. Bloggs (1990) investigated this topic using method X. I’ll see if method Y gives
different results…compare with X results and explain differences.
Research questions
Specific research questions should be directly related to, and arise logically from, the
research problem you are addressing.
1. Pursue questions that look as though they will have interesting answers or solve a
particular problem.
2. Questions are usually good if you can suggest or predict what answers they may
have (i.e. set up hypotheses) and what the implications of these answers are.
3. The best questions are relatively easy to answer but make significant steps forward
in the investigation!
Research questions can be stated in terms of questions or experimental hypotheses. For
example: Is X related to Y? (research question), or X is related to Y (experimental
hypothesis). Perhaps one of the most important issues to take note of is the difference
between a casual and a causal relationship. Just because two factors may appear to be
linked (i.e. statistically, or by observation) it does not necessarily mean that there is a
cause-and-effect relationship. It is up to you to interpret the results of your observations
and to devise research strategies by which you might establish causality.
Establishing your research aims
You will need to have a clear idea what your research aims are for your dissertation
proposal. The aims of your dissertation can be put forward in terms of the research
problem you have identified and the questions you are going to ask whilst researching that
problem. A clear statement of research questions is important because these statements
determine the direction of your project; the type of information you require to answer the
questions determines the methods you need to use and the way you analyse the data
collected. In your conclusions you should aim to address and reflect upon your original
research problem and questions. The research questions should ideally be capable of
leading to conclusions. ‘Woolly’ research questions often result in overly descriptive
rambling discussions, that fail to reach any firm conclusions!
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1.6 RECOMMENDED READING ON RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION WRITING
Baxter, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. 1996: How to Research. Buckingham: Open
University Press.
Bell, J. 1993: Doing your Research Project. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Creswell, J.W. 1994: Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. London:
Sage.
Flick, U. 1998: An Introduction to Qualitative Research. London: Sage.
O’Connor, M. and Woodford, F.P. 1975: Writing Scientific Papers in English. Oxford:
Association of Scientific Publishers.
Parsons, T. and Knight, P.G. 1995: How to do your Dissertation in Geography and Related
Disciplines. London: Chapman & Hall.
Rudestam, K.E. and Newton, R.R. 1992: Surviving your Dissertation. London: Sage.
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SECTION 2: DISSERTATION PLANNING AND THE PROPOSAL
The Dissertation module is assessed by two separate pieces of written work:
i. The Literature Survey and Dissertation Plan – 10% of the module mark
ii. The Dissertation itself – 90% of the module mark
2.1
STAGE I
This section explains what the procedures are for submitting your dissertation proposal,
the assignment of a dissertation supervisor and producing the Literature Survey and
Dissertation Plan. The timetable for this preliminary stage is as follows:
Late February/early March: Dissertation briefing meeting
March: general discussion with potential dissertation supervisors about your proposed
field of study. You can consult with as many people as you like at this early stage
(Appendix 2 lists areas of staff expertise to help you to decide who to go and see).
If you really have no idea where to start, see your personal tutor. Combined
Honours students proposing to do a Joint Dissertation must consult with staff in
both disciplines.
When you feel satisfied with a particular field of study, fill in a Dissertation
Proposal Form (Appendix 7) and take it to the member of staff within whose
area of expertise the topic falls for his/her comment and signature. You should not
assume that your proposal will necessarily be accepted as it stands; it may be
referred back to you for emendation, so do not leave this until the last minute.
Friday 6 May 2011- deadline for submission of the signed Dissertation Proposal Form to
the Departmental Office. You will be assigned a Supervisor who will normally be
the person who agreed your topic.
After exams: start work on your Literature Survey and Dissertation Plan.
Early October: brief meeting with your Supervisor to report progress.
Thursday 27 October 2011 submit the Literature Survey and Dissertation Plan by
4pm to the College office, Queens Building.
Early December: individual supervision to return marked Literature Survey and
Dissertation Plan to discuss issues arising from it and progress in general.
2.2
STAGE II Researching and writing the Dissertation (for further detail see
Appendix 1).
January & February: individual or group consultations with the supervisor.
End of February: if the topic submitted has been changed, fill in a Dissertation Title
Approval Form (Appendix 6), get your supervisor to sign it and submit it to the
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Departmental Office.
March (before the end of term): final consultation with your supervisor.
Thursday 3 May 2012: hand in your Dissertation to the College Office, Queens Building
2.3 PILOT STUDIES AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION
It is important that, where necessary, you seek prior permission for access to land,
archives or other sources of data before the fieldwork or research is undertaken (see
Appendix 4). A standard letter will be made available on request to explain that you are
carrying out work that is an essential part of your degree course and not related to any
official investigation on the part of the University.
If relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking, it may be a good idea to carry out a
preliminary pilot project. This might involve carrying out a scaled-down version of your
methodology (field work, archive or laboratory work) in order to:
1. Identify potential bottlenecks in the project, e.g. time taken to collect or analyse
data.
2. Determine whether or not your data collection technique is viable/feasible.
3. Determine how detailed your data have to be.
4. How much material (e.g. sample size) you require
5. How long the processing and analysis of sample/data takes
Carrying out a pilot project can be an effective means of determining the viability of a
project. It can help you to avoid one of the worst problems that may come to light only after
you have collected your data, and begin to analyse and interpret it: 'If only I had
recorded/asked/collected X, then I could have carried out Y analysis, and answered
question Z.' Often it is too late to rectify this situation.
2.4
CHANGE OF TOPIC
Should you decide, during work on your Literature Survey and Dissertation Plan, that you
wish to change research direction and focus on a topic different to that of the original,
agreed, proposal, you must contact the Dissertation Co-ordinator immediately. A change
of topic will be allowed, subject to the proposed Supervisor’s approval of the revised topic;
in this case, a new Dissertation Proposal Form (Appendix 7) will be filled in by the
student, signed by the Supervisor and submitted to the Departmental Office. Remember
that during the Summer Vacation staff may well be away from the University for extended
periods on fieldwork, so do not leave this until the last minute – in any case, no extension
will normally be allowed on the literature survey submission date.
2.4.1 SUBMITTING A FINAL TITLE
The latest you can submit a final title for your dissertation is the end of February of your
final year. At this stage you should already be well into the writing stage and have a good
understanding of the structure of your dissertation. You will need to fill in a Dissertation
Title Approval Form (Appendix 6) and get your supervisor to sign it. Hand the completed
form to the Departmental Office.
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SECTION 3: PROGRESS MONITORING AND ADVICE ON YOUR
DISSERTATION
3.1 WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY DISSERTATION SUPERVISOR(S)?
The dissertation is your own piece of independent research. You should, therefore, expect
to undertake the necessary activities - thinking and doing - independently. Your
dissertation supervisor's principal responsibility is to monitor your progress and advise.
1. The dissertation supervisor, or other staff members, can offer technical advice on
the dissertation, e.g. appropriate methodology, logistics, resources, ways of
illustrating.
2. On the basis of your verbal progress reports during meetings, your dissertation
supervisor will give advice regarding your progress towards your objectives.
3. On the basis of supervision meetings with you, your supervisor will alert the
dissertation co-ordinator regarding any unsatisfactory progress
4. When required and requested, your dissertation supervisor will answer direct and
specific questions of a technical nature (e.g. is this analytical method appropriate?)
- this direction may also be obtained from other staff where appropriate.
5. Your dissertation supervisor, along with any other member of staff you care to
consult, can offer you technical advice at any time during the third year, but this will
not include reading any draft chapters. Your supervisor will, however, comment on
the proposed structure of the dissertation in plan and on drafts of the contents page.
You cannot expect your Dissertation Supervisor to:
1. Tell you what to do next.
2. Tell you what to do with your data.
3. Think of new projects for you.
4. Read draft copies of dissertation materials.
3.2 WHAT WILL YOUR DISSERTATION SUPERVISOR EXPECT FROM YOU?
That you attend meetings
You should attend meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress and general
matters relating to dissertation work. The general timetable of such meetings is presented
in appendix 1. These meetings will be advertised on your supervisor’s notice board. Since
this is an independent piece of work you must take responsibility for its completion and this
includes attending the meetings. Remember to take notes during these sessions
(particularly of bibliographic information), so that you do not need to chase reference
details later.
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NB. You are strongly advised to be pro-active in maximising opportunities for seeking
advice. You may make appointments to see your supervisor at other times, during their
office hours.
That you make progress on your dissertation
You should have made substantial progress on your literature survey and dissertation plan
during the long summer vacation. This period should have been used to carry out reading,
collect your thoughts and organise the structure of your work and how you will go about
obtaining the rest of the information you need. If your dissertation involves fieldwork, the
summer vacation may be a good time to carry out the work (you may have the spare time
and the weather is more favourable), but you should plan fieldwork for the most
appropriate time (e.g. you may prefer the winter, because the vegetation will have died
down).
During the Autumn and Winter of your final year, you should ideally be completing the
collection of your data and processing and analysing it. If you are using a computer and
have any difficulties, you can consult the duty programmers in the I.T. Services.
That you keep your supervisor informed of any change in direction/topic
If you decide to change research direction, and focus on a topic different to that of the
original dissertation proposal, you must contact your assigned dissertation supervisor and
the dissertation co-ordinator as soon as possible. This is so that you can be assigned a
dissertation supervisor appropriate to your chosen area of research. You will be expected
to submit a new dissertation proposal to the new dissertation supervisor.
NB. Remember to keep back-up copies of your dissertation and the data you have
collected at all times! Back up your data both during and after every session on the
computer.
3.3 WHEN MUST I SUBMIT MY WORK?
Literature Survey and Dissertation Plan (2 copies) must be must be handed in to the
College Office by 4pm on 27 October 2011.
Dissertation (2 copies, including a dissertation submission form and BART cover
sheet ) must be handed in to the College Office by 4pm, on the Thursday of the first
week of summer term in your final year.
Failure to do this will be dealt with severely: the Board of Examiners will normally apply a
penalty for late submission and the late assignment will receive a maximum mark of
40%. If the work has still not been submitted after two weeks, the work will not be marked
at all and you will receive a mark of zero. It is the student’s own responsibility to bring any
potentially extenuating circumstances to the attention of the dissertation supervisor and
provide appropriate supporting documentation.
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SECTION 4: PRESENTATION AND LAYOUT
This chapter provides information about how to organise and set out your dissertation
report, as well as when and how to submit it. Failure to present a dissertation
according to these recommendations may result in its rejection or downgrading.
4.1 WORD LIMIT AND PAGE FORMAT
Your literature survey and dissertation plan should not exceed 1,000 words excluding
bibliography. Your dissertation should not exceed 9,000 words (10,000 for Ancient
History/Archaeology dissertation), excluding appendices, tables and bibliography.
Both elements must be word-processed with 1.5 line spacing on single sides of A4 and all
pages must be clearly numbered. For the dissertation, care must be taken to provide wide
margins (necessary for binding). Leave approximately 4cm on the left margin and 3cm on
the right. You will bear the costs of production (illustrations, typing, paper, outer cover,
binding).
4.2 STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS OF THE LITERATURE SURVEY & DISSERTATION PLAN
4.2.1 The literature survey
 The first stage in researching your topic will involve you in reading around your subject
in order to familiarise yourself with the relevant contextual information. You need to find
out what is already known and what is not known about your proposed field of study
and to investigate potential data sources. Depending on the topic of the dissertation,
this may involve
 a topographical survey in order to get to know and help refine your study area
 a methodological study designed to acquaint you with appropriate approaches to your
material – those that others have found to work (or not) and those which it is worth
trying
 a review of similar work in a different geographical/environmental/historical context
Make use of search engines and consolidated bibliographies; follow up references and
bibliography in general works; trawl through regional/topic/period-based periodicals. You
do not, at this stage, have to read in detail everything to which you make reference; what
is required is that you show an awareness of its potential. Make use of tables of contents,
abstracts, chapter and section heads and indexes. This review should be written in
continuous prose, using Harvard referencing as normal.
4.2.2 The dissertation plan
This is a reasoned outline of how you intend to proceed with your work on the dissertation
– what you intend to do, the themes you intend to pursue, the resources you will use, how
you intend to structure the work and an outline timetable for doing it. It should include
reference to:
 your research question – overall aims and objectives
 the ways in which you plan to answer your question. You should refer to:
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further background work required
primary sources to be studied (you should have made at least a preliminary
assessment of these)
fieldwork to be undertaken
 any practical issues such as those relating to finance, timetabling, health and safety,
ethics
This plan may be produced in report form, using bullet points and tables as appropriate.
4.2.3 Bibliography
The bibliography should include both material which you have already read during the
preparation of your survey, and relevant-sounding material which you have learnt about
and intend to pursue. It should include appropriate web-based material as well as the
printed word. The bibliography must be presented in Harvard style according to our normal
conventions. Advice on referencing of unfamiliar primary source material should be
sought from your supervisor.
4.2.4 Word limit
LITERATURE SURVEY AND DISSERTATION PLAN: word limit, 1000 words.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: there is no word limit to the bibliography.
4.3 STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS OF THE DISSERTATION
The dissertation should be arranged as follows:
1. Title page (which must include your student registration number)
2. An abstract
3. A contents page (to include chapter headings and other sub-divisions of the
typescript)
4. Lists of illustrations (line drawings and photographs)
5. List of tables (if appropriate)
6. List of appendices (if appropriate)
7. Acknowledgements
8. Main body of the dissertation – your various chapters (give them headings and
numbers)
9. Appendices (covering detailed material and data, elaboration of methods and
techniques)
10. Bibliography
There is no single approved structure for a dissertation. There is, however, such a thing as
a clearly and logically structured report. The dissertation should, therefore, include
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components 1-8 and 10 (listed above) in that particular order. The structure must be clear
and logical, include an early statement of the research aims, previous research, methods,
results, analysis of results and discussion, and lead to logical conclusions.
4.3.1 Chapters, headings and subheadings
Within individual chapters (which must be numbered), you may wish to use sub-headings.
These should be used in a logical and consistent manner. This will help the reader (i.e.
examiner) navigate his/her way around the dissertation. There is a balance between over
and under dividing the dissertation up into sections. Too many sections and subsections
may break up the flow and make the dissertation appear “bitty” or fragmented. Too few
sections or subsections will make it more difficult for the reader to work out where they are
and where they are going. Organising the report into sections will also help you to organise
and decide where to place various bits of information. It is a good idea to include a brief
statement of what each chapter is about at the beginning to help the reader work out
where they are going. A short summary at the end of each chapter can be equally valuable
in helping navigation and general flow, e.g.:
This chapter discusses the results of….(at the start)
This chapter has discussed the…and leads onto….(at the end)
You can number the sections and subsections in order to help navigation. This system will
enable you to refer the reader to particular sections in the text (e.g. see Section 4.3).
4.3.2 Contents
It is a good idea to number chapters and sub-divisions. You should list all the chapter
headings and subdivisions and list the page number at which each of them starts.
4.3.3 Abstract
The abstract should be a very concise summary of the work. It should give the reader a
clear understanding of the nature of the work, its principal content and conclusions. A
common mistake is to treat the abstract as a brief introduction, which is not its purpose.
The abstract need not be any longer than half a side of A4, but should certainly not be
longer than one side.
4.3.4 Figures and tables
Figures include all maps, line drawings, and photographs. Tables are considered and
numbered separately from figures.
All figures and tables must be numbered. Tables are numbered separately from figures.
For example, using the numerical system, Table 4.1 would be the first table in chapter 4;
Figure 4.1 would be the first figure in chapter 4.
All tables and figures should be closely integrated with, and referred to, in the text. It is not
sufficient simply to put text and illustrations side by side hoping that the reader/examiner
will make the connection. Illustrations must be truly part of the dissertation, not merely
decorative additions.
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Maps and Line Drawings
Maps and line drawings should normally be reduced to fit on an A4 page or, exceptionally,
a size suitable for folding to A4.
Maps and diagrams may either be drawn by hand or computer generated, but good-quality
photocopies of published material are acceptable. Maps and diagrams should have
adequate scales and keys.
Each map or diagram should have a figure number and caption outside the frame. The
source of the illustration or information must also be given (and listed fully in the
references); e.g.:
Figure 1.1: A map showing the location of Scottish stone circles (source: Burl 1976,
fig.19)
Photographs
Photographs, digitised images and photocopies (colour or monochrome) may also be used
if required (should fit A4 format). Mounting of photographs and other illustrations should be
on normal weight paper. Remember to include a scale. Photographs must be given a
caption and a figure number and be credited, e.g.:
Figure 1.1: Balnuaran of Clava, near Inverness (photo by author)
Separate lists of figures and tables should be included in the contents.
NB. Ensure that all your figures are clear and of sufficient size and resolution to be able to
make out text and important features, i.e. not small, fuzzy, and difficult to make out.
Warning: computer scanning may seem a good method of reproduction, but unless it is
carried out at very high resolution it often gives poor results (high quality, digital
photocopying will probably work better).
Tables
Tables should be designed to make the information they contain clear. Tables should all
be given a title. If you have many tables of data, it may be advisable to put them in an
appendix. Your supervisor will be able to advise on this.
4.4 REFERENCING AND THE BIBLIOGRAPHY
The Harvard system must be employed consistently throughout the work, and high
standards of accuracy are expected. For guidance on how the Harvard system works, see
the Undergraduate Handbook. If in doubt over how to reference a particular source, ask
your supervisor for advice. You are asked to pay particular attention to the system of
references and bibliography. Many dissertations fail to reach adequate standards in these
aspects and many otherwise good pieces of work are marked down as a result. In-text
referencing is often inadequate.
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Quoting
Note that if you quote material in your text you should give the page numbers in the
reference. You should also place quotation marks around the quoted section.
4.5 CONVENTIONS ON MEASUREMENTS
All measurements, in text and illustrations, must be in metric, though it may be useful to
give imperial equivalents when discussing, for example, medieval buildings.
4.6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Due acknowledgement should be made to all those who have assisted in the compilation
of the dissertation. If unpublished results are being used or referred to, it is particularly
important to make sure that the excavator or other specialist is prepared to allow such
citation. A breach of common practice in this matter might be viewed seriously by the
offended party and would certainly lay you open to a charge of plagiarism. The sources of
illustrative material must be indicated.
4.7 CHECKING YOUR WORK
Before submission, the whole text of your dissertation should be checked carefully for
typing errors and consistency of presentation. You should also check that you have listed
all your references and that all tables and figures are clearly presented and referenced.
4.8 BINDING
This must follow a standard prescribed by the Department. The dissertation should be
bound using soft thermal binding with a clear (see-through) cover, so that your title page is
visible. This can be done in the Guild Print Unit.
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SECTION 5: DISSERTATION MARKING CRITERIA
Below, the criteria used in the marking of the Literature Survey and Dissertation Plan and
of the Dissertation itself are outlined. If you bear each of these criteria in mind when writing
your survey and your dissertation you will be more likely to produce a good piece of work.
Ask yourself whether you have satisfied all the criteria and whether there are any areas
you could improve.
5.1 THE LITERATURE SURVEY AND DISSERTATION PLAN
o
Has the candidate identified an appropriate topic for investigation?
o
Has the candidate familiarised him/herself with relevant contextual information?
o
Is the candidate aware of the relevant source materials?
o
Has the candidate devised an appropriate programme of investigation?
o
Is the candidate aware of the potential problems and pitfalls which (s)he may
encounter?
o
Has the candidate demonstrated appropriate bibliographic skills?
5.2 THE DISSERTATION
5.2.1 Content
o
Has the candidate formulated a coherent topic for investigation?
o
Has the candidate acquired a suitably detailed knowledge of the subject area under
investigation? Is this knowledge placed in its wider context?
o
Do they know and use the correct methodologies, terms and conventions for their
subject area?
o
Have they demonstrated an ability to analyse critically and deploy primary
archaeological (and historical, where appropriate) data? Are the data placed in its
wider context?
o
Is the content appropriate to the title and the research questions outlined in the
introduction?
o
Is the work well structured and does it lead to a suitable conclusion?
o
Has the candidate demonstrated appropriate bibliographic and referencing skills?
o
Are there appropriate accompanying illustrations? Are these suitably integrated with
the text?
16
o
Does the candidate demonstrate independent thought? (at the upper end of the mark
range)
o
Is the abstract an accurate and clear statement of the content of the dissertation?
5.2.2 Presentation
o
Is the work neatly presented according to the guidelines laid down in this handbook
(e.g. binding, title page, contents, lists of tables and figures, acknowledgements,
appendices, margins, spacings etc)?
o
Are the references and bibliography laid out in Harvard style, following the format laid
down in the Undergraduate Handbook?
o
Are the illustrations well and suitably presented according to the guidelines given in
this handbook?
o
Has the candidate demonstrated suitable writing skills (i.e. is the work in a suitable
academic style; is the grammar, spelling and punctuation correct; is the writing
suitably concise and precise)?
o
Has the work been well proof read (i.e. how many typographic errors etc. remain)?
17
SECTION 6: REGULATIONS ON PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION
6.1 PLAGIARISM
You are reminded that the failure to reference the published and unpublished work of other
academics may result in a charge of plagiarism. This is effectively passing off someone
else’s thoughts, ideas, writings and work as your own. People can be guilty of plagiarism if
they copy, without proper attribution (i.e. acknowledging by referencing the author
appropriately), from a book, scholarly article, lecture handout, electronically-stored text or
another student’s work. In this context ‘copying’ does not just mean word for word copying.
It also includes straight paraphrasing, sentence by sentence, of a source material.
6.2 COLLUSION
Unauthorised collusion, is aiding or attempting to aid or obtaining or attempting to obtain
aid from another candidate or any other person. In the case of a dissertation project this
might include obtaining unauthorised help with preparation of the report or with
field/laboratory work. Note the stress is on unauthorised. It is recognised that an important
skill developed during the course of your dissertation research is the forging of contacts
with various people within and outside the Archaeology Department. Some of these
contacts may offer you practical assistance. If you are in any doubt you should seek
guidance and authorisation from your Dissertation Supervisor on what may be deemed
inappropriate aid. All assistance must be acknowledged.
N.B. The dissertation forms a major part of your degree and any breach of University
Regulations will be considered very serious. Please note that both plagiarism and collusion
are very serious offences, which could result in the outright failure of your degree. Further
details of definitions and procedures concerning plagiarism and collusion can be on the
College intranet http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/ug/handbook/
18
APPENDIX 1: DISSERTATION GENERAL TIMETABLE
N.B. You can make appointments to see your supervisor at other times, if needed.
When?
What?
2
March-April (stage 2)
Meet with prospective dissertation supervisors to
discuss ideas (book appointments with them)
2
By Friday, first week of the
summer term (stage 2)
Get approval of your topic (if necessary, revise and
resubmit until approval given). Submit a dissertation
proposal form signed by both your potential supervisor
and yourself.
2
Once approval is obtained
Start work on your literature survey and dissertation
plan.
Summer vacation
Work on your literature survey and dissertation plan. Do
background reading, visit sites, do pilot studies (if
appropriate).
3
Early/mid October
Meet with your supervisor to discuss progress.
3
27 October 2011
Deadline for literature survey and dissertation plan.
3
Late November/ early
December
Meeting with supervisor for feedback on your literature
survey and dissertation plan. Discussion of general
issues pertinent to dissertations.
3
January
Meeting with supervisor.
3
February
Meeting with supervisor.
You should finalise your dissertation title and, if this has
been changed from the title submitted on your
dissertation proposal form, hand in a title approval form
(Appendix 6) by the end of the month.
You should now be able to describe the content and
structure of your work in detail. Provisional conclusions
should be emerging. Ideally, you should be writing a
first draft by now and you should have made a start on
illustrations.
3
March
Meeting with supervisor before the end of term.
Do not assume that your supervisor will be available for
consultation during the Easter vacation
3
Thursday first week,
summer term (by 4 pm)
Hand in dissertation
N.B. leave plenty of spare time – malfunctioning
computers, printers etc. will not be taken as a valid
excuse for being late.
19
APPENDIX 2: MEMBERS OF STAFF AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE *
Below is a guide to the general expertise of potential dissertation supervisors. See the
departmental web pages for more details.
Bruce Bradley
Prehistory, lithics, experimental archaeology
Oliver Creighton
Castles, medieval buildings, later medieval archaeology,
landscape archaeology
Anthony Harding
Neolithic and Bronze Age in Europe
Linda Hurcombe
Prehistory, material culture, lithics, experimental archaeology
Jose Iriarte
South American prehistory, archaeobotany, environmental
archaeology
Gill Juleff
Archaeometallurgy, experimental archaeology, South-East
Asia
Chris Knüsel
Bioarchaeology, osteoarchaeology, forensic archaeology
Marisa Lazzari
South American prehistory, material culture and cultural
landscape studies, social archaeology
Robert Morkot
The archaeology of ancient Egypt and North Africa
Ioana Oltean
Roman mid-lower Danube provinces, IA/Roman settlement
patterns and landscapes, GIS, aerial archaeology
Alan Outram
Hunter-gatherers, palaeoeconomics, environmental
archaeology, scientific analytical techniques, industrial
archaeology
Stephen Rippon
Late Roman and early medieval Britain, landscape
archaeology, maps, field techniques
Robert Van de Noort
Wetland archaeology and conservation, GIS, remote sensing,
the Iron Age
Dissertation coordinator: Dr Ioana Oltean (i.a.oltean@exeter.ac.uk; Laver, room 305)
Ethics: Dr Marisa Lazzari (m.lazzari@exeter.ac.uk; Laver, room 304)
Safety: Dr Gill Juleff (g.juleff@exeter.ac.uk; Laver, room 307)
* For up-to-date staff administrative responsibilities and study leave arrangements please
check with the Departmental Office.
20
APPENDIX 3: MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
Module Code: ARC 3000
Module Title: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISSERTATION
Credit Value: 30
ECTS Value: 15
Pre-requisites: 60 archaeology credits at levels 1 and 2
Co-requisites:
Duration of module:
Two terms
Total Student Study Time:
300 hours
Module level: Level 3
AIMS:
The module will develop the ability to define a field of enquiry, undertake a sustained period of research into
it and produce a dissertation upon it. It will encourage the application of knowledge, principles, skills of
enquiry and (where appropriate) illustrative skills. It will develop the ability critically to evaluate the issues
relating to the subject area.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES: students will be enabled to
Knowledge and understanding:
o acquire a detailed knowledge of the subject area under investigation
o know the chronological and methodological frameworks of the research area
o know and deploy terms and conventions in their correct contexts
Subject-specific skills:
o critically analyse and deploy primary archaeological data
o prepare and deploy appropriate illustrative material
Core Academic skills:
o ability to undertake a sustained enquiry
o deploy bibliographical skills
o evaluate conflicting opinions
Personal and Key skills:
o devise, implement and keep to a work schedule
o produce a substantial written report, using appropriate illustrations
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:
Introductory meeting; 5 meetings with supervisor; self-directed study.
ASSIGNMENTS:
o Literature survey and dissertation plan; designed to focus on the context of the dissertation and the
ways in which the topic will be developed.
o Dissertation: designed to focus on an area of contention or apply knowledge and principles to a
chosen field of enquiry
o Periodic verbal reports at meetings with supervisor.
ASSESSMENTS:
Literature survey and dissertation plan; 1,000 words (excluding bibliography). 10% of module mark.
9,000-word max dissertation (word limit excludes bibliography and figure captions.) 90% of module mark.
SYLLABUS PLAN:
o Introduction to dissertations (Term 2 of stage 2). Dissertation handbook issued.
o Consultation with potential supervisors to define topic (March, stage 2)
o Early October Level 3: individual meeting with supervisors to report progress made during vacation
o discussion of preliminary bibliography.
o 5 supervision meetings
INDICATIVE BASIC READING LIST:
Baxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. 1996: How to research. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Bell, J. 1993: Doing your research project. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Creswell, J.W. 1994: Research design: qualitative and quantitative methods. London: Sage.
Flick, U. 1998: An introduction to qualitative research. London: Sage.
Parsons, T. & Knight, P.G. 1995: How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines. London:
Chapman & Hall.
Rudestam, K.E. & Newton, R.R. 1992: Surviving your dissertation. London: Sage.
21
Module Code: ARC 3001
Module level: Level 3 Dissertation
Module Title: JOINT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION
Credit Value: 30
ECTS Value: 15
Pre-requisites: 90 credits of History and Archaeology
Co-requisites:
Duration of module:
Two terms
Total Student Study Time:
300 hours
AIMS:
The module will develop the ability to define a field of enquiry drawing upon the two disciplines of History and
Archaeology, undertake a sustained period of research into it and produce a dissertation upon it. It will
encourage the application of knowledge, principles, skills of enquiry and (where appropriate) illustrative
skills. It will develop the ability critically to evaluate the issues relating to the chosen topic.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES: students will be enabled to
Knowledge and understanding:
o acquire a detailed knowledge of the subject area under investigation
o know the chronological and methodological frameworks of the research area
o know and deploy terms and conventions in their correct contexts
o understand the relative contributions of History and Archaeology and their relationship within the field
of enquiry.
Subject-specific skills:
o critically analyse and deploy primary historical and archaeological data
o prepare and deploy appropriate illustrative material
Core Academic skills:
o undertake a sustained enquiry
o deploy bibliographical skills
o evaluate conflicting opinions
Personal and Key skills:
o devise, implement and keep to a work schedule
o produce a substantial written report, using appropriate derived or original illustrations
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:
Introductory meeting; 5 meetings with supervisors; self-directed study.
ASSIGNMENTS:
o Literature survey and dissertation plan; designed to focus on the context of the dissertation and the
ways in which the topic will be developed.
o Dissertation: designed to focus on an area of contention or apply knowledge and principles to a
chosen field of enquiry
o Present periodic verbal reports at meetings with supervisors.
ASSESSMENTS:
Literature survey and dissertation plan; 1,000 words (excluding bibliography). 10% of module mark.
9,000-word max dissertation (word limit excludes bibliography and figure captions.) 90% of module mark.
SYLLABUS PLAN:
o Introduction to dissertations (Term 2 of stage 2). Dissertation handbook issued.
o Consultation with potential supervisors to define topic (March, stage 2)
o Early October Level 3: individual meeting with supervisors to report progress made during vacation
o discussion of preliminary bibliography.
o 5 supervision meetings
INDICATIVE BASIC READING LIST:
Baxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. 1996: How to research. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Bell, J. 1993: Doing your research project. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Creswell, J.W. 1994: Research design: qualitative and quantitative methods. London: Sage.
Flick, U. 1998: An introduction to qualitative research. London: Sage.
Parsons, T. & Knight, P.G. 1995: How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines. London:
Chapman & Hall.
Rudestam, K.E. & Newton, R.R. 1992: Surviving your dissertation. London: Sage.
22
Module Code: ARC 3004
Module level: Level 3 Dissertation
Module Title: JOINT ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION
Credit Value: 30
ECTS Value: 15
Pre-requisites: 90 credits of Ancient History and Archaeology
Co-requisites:
Duration of module: Two terms
Total Student Study Time:
300 hours
AIMS:
The module will develop the ability to define a field of enquiry drawing upon the two disciplines of Ancient
History and Archaeology, undertake a sustained period of research into it and produce a dissertation upon it.
It will encourage the application of knowledge, principles, skills of enquiry and (where appropriate) illustrative
skills. It will develop the ability critically to evaluate the issues relating to the chosen topic.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES: students will be enabled to
Knowledge and understanding:
o acquire a detailed knowledge of the subject area under investigation
o know the chronological and methodological frameworks of the research area
o know and deploy terms and conventions in their correct contexts
o understand the relative contributions of Ancient History and Archaeology and their relationship within
the field of enquiry.
Subject-specific skills:
o critically analyse and deploy primary historical and archaeological data
o prepare and deploy appropriate illustrative material
Core Academic skills:
o undertake a sustained enquiry
o deploy bibliographical skills
o evaluate conflicting opinions
Personal and Key skills:
o devise, implement and keep to a work schedule
o produce a substantial written report, using appropriate derived or original illustrations
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:
Introductory meeting; 5 meetings with supervisors; self-directed study.
ASSIGNMENTS:
o Literature survey and dissertation plan; designed to focus on the context of the dissertation and the
ways in which the topic will be developed.
o Dissertation: designed to focus on an area of contention or apply knowledge and principles to a
chosen field of enquiry
o Present periodic verbal reports at meetings with supervisors.
ASSESSMENTS:
Literature survey and dissertation plan; 1,000 words (excluding bibliography). 10% of module mark.
10,000-word max dissertation (word limit excludes bibliography and figure captions.) 90% of module mark.
SYLLABUS PLAN:
o Introduction to dissertations (Term 2 of stage 2). Dissertation handbook issued.
o Consultation with potential supervisors to define topic (March, stage 2)
o Early October Level 3: individual meeting with supervisors to report progress made during vacation
o discussion of preliminary bibliography.
o 5 supervision meetings
INDICATIVE BASIC READING LIST:
Baxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. 1996: How to research. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Bell, J. 1993: Doing your research project. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Creswell, J.W. 1994: Research design: qualitative and quantitative methods. London: Sage.
Flick, U. 1998: An introduction to qualitative research. London: Sage.
Parsons, T. & Knight, P.G. 1995: How to do your dissertation in geography and related disciplines. London:
Chapman & Hall.
Rudestam, K.E. & Newton, R.R. 1992: Surviving your dissertation. London: Sage.
23
APPENDIX 4: ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
4.1 GUIDELINES FOR PROJECTS INVOLVING OTHER PEOPLE
o
The dissertation student should carry identification including information that allows a
potential participant to contact the Department if she/he wishes, in order to ensure
that the work is bona fide. Students who require letters of introduction and
identification can obtain these from the Department Secretary.
o
Remember common courtesy. If you have made an appointment to meet with
someone, be prompt. Professional people may be extremely busy, so be well
organized and do not take up any more of their time than you have to.
o
Always ask if you may take photographs. Museums or excavation directors may have
specific policies on this. In any case, it is polite to ask.
o
When requesting information from someone, be specific in your request. Do not
expect someone else to do your data collection for you.
4.2 ACCESS TO PRIVATE LAND AND PROPERTY
o
Dissertation students must not attempt to conduct investigations on private
land/property without the permission of its owners. If the property/land is publicly
owned, permission must be obtained from the relevant authority/management. If
requested to do so, a dissertation student must leave the land/property immediately
and without protest.
* Currently, the departmental ethics officer is Dr Marisa Lazzari.
24
APPENDIX 5: SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Students are strongly discouraged from choosing a dissertation topic that involves
hazardous activities. If a proposed dissertation topic involves any hazardous activities, it
may be refused on the grounds of safety. In some cases, it may be possible to mitigate the
hazard by following particular safety guidelines or wearing protective clothing etc.
Decisions will be made on an individual, case-by-case basis.
Students should make it clear, at the proposal stage, if they are intending to carry out any
hazardous activities. The department will assess the risk and decide whether you should
be allowed to proceed. If you are allowed to proceed, the approval may be conditional
upon you following certain safety regulations. The student will have to carry out a risk
assessment, along with their supervisor and the departmental safety officer *. Consult the
section of safety in the Undergraduate Handbook and the Departmental Safety Policy.
Fieldwork:
If you are proposing to carry our fieldwork, you need to be aware of possibly hazardous
activities (the following is a non-comprehensive set of examples):
o
Working alone (i.e. without anyone to get help)
o
Working near water
o
Working near cliffs (either from above or below)
o
Working in remote or exposed places (particularly if there is risk of bad weather)
o
Working in caves or deep holes
o
Working on unstable ground (e.g. around old mine workings etc.)
o
Working on building sites, or near heavy plant
Laboratory Work:
If you are carrying out lab work, there are many possibly hazardous activities (the following
is a non-comprehensive set of examples):
o
Working with corrosive, flammable or toxic chemicals
o
Working with heat sources
o
Working with dangerous tools
o
Working in a dusty atmosphere
o
Working where chips or splashes of material are a risk to eyes (e.g. flint knapping)
o
Working with loud noise
* Currently, the departmental safety officer is Dr Gill Juleff.
25
APPENDIX 6
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY
DISSERTATION TITLE APPROVAL FORM
Name:
Registration number:
Degree course:
Module code: ARC
Dissertation title:
Supervisor (signed):
Date:
I have read and understood the guidelines for Archaeology dissertations
Candidate (signed):
Date:
26
APPENDIX 7
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL FORM
Name:
E-mail:
Programme:
Type of dissertation (delete as appropriate):
 ARC 3000 30-credit Archaeology dissertation (for single or combined honours students)
 ARC 3001 30 credit combined History and Archaeology dissertation (Hist & Arch students)
 ARC 3004 30 credit combined Ancient History and Archaeology dissertation (Anc Hist & Arch)
Proposed topic:
Brief description of the proposed project:
PTO
Primary sources to be consulted:
27
Secondary sources:
Practical issues to be considered: e.g. travel / access to material /inter-library loan
Comment by staff member(s) consulted (those doing a joint dissertation must consult a
member of staff in each subject area):
SIGNATURE OF STAFF MEMBER(S):
DATE:
SIGNATURE OF STUDENT:
DATE:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
TO BE FILLED IN BY DISSERTATION CO-ORDINATOR
Date of receipt of form:
Name of appointed supervisor:
28
APPENDIX 8
Department of Archaeology
DISSERTATION SUBMISSION FORM
To be submitted with two copies of your dissertation
Student Number:
Dissertation title:
I certify that this dissertation is all my own work. Any material quoted or
paraphrased from reference books, critical works etc. has been identified as such
and duly acknowledged.
Name (CAPS):
Signed:
Date:
29