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Global Development Dissertation - POL00065H

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  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Alfred Moore
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

The purpose of the module is to successfully complete a substantial piece of written work based on extensive independent research in some field of global development. The dissertation will show the qualities of analysis, synthesis, power in argument and clarity of exposition required of an advanced undergraduate student.

Professional requirements

No professional requirements.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25 to Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The purpose of the module is to successfully complete a substantial piece of written work based on extensive independent research in some field of global development. The dissertation will show the qualities of analysis, synthesis, power in argument and clarity of exposition required of an advanced undergraduate student. The module enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen topic in the context of relevant perspectives and theories on global development. It supports students engaging in empirical and/or theoretical research and - drawing on the research skills and knowledge developed over state 1 and 2 of the program - to devise and conduct a feasible, appropriate and ethical methodology to investigate their topic. In the module, students will be able to obtain advise on identifying and exploring the relevant literature and empirical research in their chosen field, and obtain support in producing a well-structured, clearly written and analytically robust research report.

Module learning outcomes

You will complete a major piece of independent research, organised around a clear and well formulated research question. You will locate your arguments in the context of wider scholarly debates and develop lines of argument which are original to the dissertation.

In terms of subject content, you will

1. Show a cumulative grasp of a range of concepts related to global development,

2. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of development debates and empirical material in your field,

3. Demonstrate a capacity to conduct a literature review on your topic,

4. Show knowledge of a range of interdisciplinary research methodologies and assess their appropriateness for your research question,

5. Demonstrate a good understanding of the relationship between arguments and evidence, and

6. Where empirical research is undertaken, demonstrate and understanding of ethical concerns and an ability to address them.

In terms of academic and graduate skills, you will

1. Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and analysis,

2. Be able to formulate a research question in global development and design a project to explore answers to it,

3. Show ability to conduct an extended research project.

4. Show advanced skills in structuring and writing a research report. and

5. Demonstrate skills in independent learning and project management.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Global Development Dissertation		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Global Development Dissertation		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 25 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

Key texts will depend on the study undertaken, but the following are indicative generic texts on dissertation writing in global development:

Becker, H.S. 2007. Writing for Social Scientists. University of Chicago Press.

Crawford, Gordon, Lena Kruckenberg, Nicholas Loubere, Rosemary Morgan. 2017. Understanding Global Development Research - Fieldwork Issues, Experiences and Reflections. SAGE Publications Ltd

Greetham, B. 2009. How to write you undergraduate dissertation. London: Sage.

McCloskey, Deirdre. 1987. Economical Writing. Waveland Press.

Montgomerie, Johnna (ed). 2018. Critical Methods in Political and Cultural Economy. Routledge

Clark, T. et al. (2019) How To Do Your Social Research Project or Dissertation. Oxford University Press.


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.