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Dissertation for Archaeological Scientists - ARC00011H

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  • Department: Archaeology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Aleksandra McClain
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

The purpose of the dissertation is to enable students to undertake a substantial piece of independent research on an archaeological science subject of their own choosing (BSc Bioarchaeology students must undertake a dissertation with a bioarchaeological theme). Students will apply the research and study skills acquired during their first and second years to produce an extended piece of written work with the guidance and supervision of a member of academic staff.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24 to Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

During this module, students will be supported in the writing of a substantial piece of independent written research in the field of scientific archaeology.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a specialist knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject
  • Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and a range of primary and secondary archaeological data to execute a programme of research, working independently
  • Have the ability to structure a substantial piece of written work
  • Present a written dissertation to professional standards, including appropriate graphical and text presentation skills
  • Demonstrate effective time management in completing a substantial piece of independent work to deadline

Module content

The dissertation is an independent study module, so most of the time you will be working individually on your own project. However, you will also have periodic meetings, submit draft work, and get feedback and advice from your dissertation supervisor to aid you in developing and writing your dissertation. In addition to one-on-one supervisions there will be a series of small-group workshops across both semesters to provide support with key research skills, and to provide a forum to constructively discuss the progress of your dissertation with staff and peers.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Dissertation		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Dissertation		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Formative: written feedback from module leaders

Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy

Indicative reading

Subject Guide to Dissertations: https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/academic-writing/dissertations

Booth, Wayne C., Columb, Gregory G., and Williams, Joseph M. 2016. The Craft of Research, 4th ed., London: The University of Chicago Press.

Day, Trevor. 2018. Success in Academic Writing, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.