GG39130 - GEOGRAPHY DISSERTATION

Module Identifier	GG39130
Module Title	GEOGRAPHY DISSERTATION
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Dr Tony Jones
Semester	Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other staff	Dr Rhys Jones
Pre-Requisite
Assessment	Dissertation	Dissertation (12,000 words). Resits involves resubmission of the Dissertation.	100%

Module Outline (Lecture Themes)

The dissertation is an independent study on a theme of the student's choice in which field work or the study of original source material is expected to play an important role. Data can be collected in a variety of ways - such as through field sampling or survey, laboratory analysis, questionnaire surveys, census material, archival or specialist library work - depending on the topic chosen. A
foundation for dissertation work is provided during the second semester of the second-year tutorial module. Further details are given in the module description for DA/GG22110. A booklet detailing dissertation requirements and providing helpful advice will be made available at the start of the second semester of the tutorial programme.

Module Aims

The dissertation gives students the opportunity to carry out a substantial independent piece of research, using appropriate concepts and techniques.

Objectives

The dissertation is above all an opportunity for independent work. By the end of the module students will have gained experience in developing an effective research problem, specifying an appropriate research design, collecting suitable data, choosing the right means or technique to analyse data and in writing up their study in a clear and structured way. The module provides an ideal way of applying, and therefore of developing further, those concepts, skills and techniques taught in course work that students have found most stimulating and those which may serve as the foundation for a particular career.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:-

demonstrate in depth knowledge of their chosen subject area

demonstrate critical thought

demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research

demonstrate the ability to synthesise conflicting/ complimentary arguments

present, where appropriate, data in numerate form

Reading Lists

Books
Parsons, T. and Knight, P.G.. (1995) How to do your dissertation in Geography and other disciplines.. Chapman and Hall, London, 151pp.

Articles
Gatrell, A.C.. (1991) Teaching students to select topics for undergraduate dissertations in Geography. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 15 (1), 15-23.
Kennedy, B.A.. (1992) 'First catch your hare... Research designs for individual projects.' [In] Rogers, A., Viles, H. and Goudie, A.: The student's companion to Geography.. Blackwell, Oxford, 386pp.