This module requires you to produce a dissertation on a subject in Literary Studies of your own choice. The opening block guides you in drafting a detailed research proposal, and also introduces strategies for communicating your research to non-university audiences. The remainder of the module is dedicated to writing the dissertation. Working in close dialogue with your tutor, you'll proceed from the initial proposal to submit drafts of two chapters before submitting the final dissertation.
What you will study
This module requires you to research and write a dissertation on a subject in English Literature of your own choice. The module opens with a taught block focused on the writing of a detailed research proposal. Beginning with guidance in choosing a dissertation subject, you then follow these essential steps for assembling a research proposal:
- identify the primary texts for your study
- generate the research questions driving your inquiry
- undertake literature searches for relevant secondary material
- formulate a preliminary chapter structure.
The second element in the fondation block is an opportunity to discover ways in which you can communicate your research to audiences beyond those in academia – such as in public lectures or podcasts, in book reviews for broad readerships, or in catalogue entries for museums and galleries.
The remaining three blocks are dedicated to independent study. Working closely with your personal tutor, you'll produce first-draft versions of two chapters of your dissertation in blocks 1 and 2.
Drawing together all your research and tutor’s feedback, in the third block, you'll write up the final draft of your dissertation.
Vocational relevance
You will have the option to learn and develop vocational writing skills, specifically how to write for different kinds of non-academic audiences.
Entry
The expectation is that you will have completed either MA in English literature part 1 (A893) or the discontinued module A815 before you take this module. In exceptional circumstances, you can apply to study A894 if you have completed the coursework component of an MA in English Literature or a closely related discipline.
If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
Preparatory work
We strongly recommend that you read the study material before starting the module.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You'll have a personal tutor who provides advice and guidance, as well as marks and comments on your written work. In the foundation block, tutors facilitate discussions between you and your fellow students in the online tutor group and module-wide tutorials. Attendance at the online tutorials is encouraged, but not obligatory, and recordings of the tutorials are made available. In the three independent learning blocks, one-to-one supervision meetings between you and your tutor are scheduled at the key moments in the module: at the outset to discuss/confirm your dissertation topic, and after the submission of each of the two draft chapters, to provide detailed feedback and guidance. You’ll also be able to gain personal feedback in one-to-one Adobe Connect rooms and forums.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box.