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Dissertation & Assessed Lecture 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: 2022-23

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 Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

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

  • execute a programme of research, working independently

  • synthesise and critically evaluate a range of primary and secondary archaeological evidence

  • structure a substantial piece of written work

  • present a written dissertation to professional standards, including appropriate graphical and text presentation skills

  • manage their time effectively and complete a substantial piece of independent work to deadline

  • communicate research findings through a lecture

Module content

The dissertation is an independent study module so most of the time you will be working on this on your own. However, at intervals, you should be submitting work and getting advice from your supervisor. There is one workshop during the Autumn Term - this is an opportunity to discuss progress and problems.

During the Spring Term you will have weekly meetings with your supervisor during term time for support in the design and writing of your dissertation.

The Assessed lecture is part of the dissertation and will be held in summer term.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Dissertation		 N/A 90
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Assessed Lecture		 N/A 10

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Dissertation		 N/A 90

Module feedback

Formative: Feedback on drafts will be given to students during supervisorials.

Summative: Written feedback on the dissertation and the lecture will be returned, and marks for all elements of the assessment will be uploaded to your e:vision account (your personal University of York online services account) by the end of week 9 of the summer term. Feedback for this assessment is exempt from the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time.

Indicative reading

Your reading will be based on your topic but this general guide to dissertation writing might help.

Richer, Suzi, and Authors@York, Provenance. Writing a Dissertation : The Essential Guide. Peterborough: Need2Know, 2013. Print.


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.