1. The Stirling experience: intermediate assessment
Dr. Colin nicolson

2. Syllabus Degree Programme Dissertation Preparation
Modular
Semester
Four years
Dissertation Preparation
HIS9X6
Third year core module taken in spring semester
Dissertation Modules
HIS9X7
The dissertation taken over two semesters by single honours History students only
HIS9X8
The dissertation taken over one semester by combined degree students in Education only

3. HIS9X6: Approaches and Methods in History
Aim
(a) Theory, methods and approaches used by historians
(b) Encourage application in students’ work
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding of (a)
Subject-Specific problems and issues concerning application of (a)
Confidence to undertake (b)
Etc.
Delivery
Lectures, Seminars, Workshops in 10 weeks

4. HIS9X6: Approaches and Methods in History
Course Content
Introduction
The nature of history
Postmodernism
National identity
Gender
Class
Writing a dissertation proposal
Techniques for dissertations
Writing a dissertation
Library Provision
Computer Lab
Careers Workshop

5. HIS9X6: Approaches and Methods in History
Assignments
Historiographical Essay (3,000 words, 45 %: due 14 April)
These are broad general questions, and require abstract discussion, but it is important to incorporate illustrative examples or case studies. They might be drawn from some of the history modules you have studied or are currently studying. This will help you to ‘anchor’ the general discussion in ‘real’ situations and historical processes.
Dissertation Proposal (3,000 words, 45 %: due 7 May)
Staff advertise lists of topics and areas
Encourage autonomy
Students discuss potential topics and provisional titles with the relevant supervisor preliminary reading and follow-up discussions on the feasibility and sources for the proposed project.
Agree topic with the supervisor by 16 April
Project Proposal

6. HIS9X6: ESSAYS How objective can history be?
Does history differ methodologically from sociology?
“Postmodernism subverts historical method.’” Discuss.
What postmodernist claims about history are valid?
“Religion is the most potent source of national identity.’” Discuss.
“Nations did not exist before the late eighteenth century.” Discuss.
Is gender history more perceptive than feminist history?
Does the concept of separate spheres between men and women assist our understanding of the past?
How skilfully have historians deployed the concept of class?
How illuminating is the Marxist conception of class?

7. HIS9X6: Project Proposal
Form
Essay or Report
Content
Literature Review
Research Questions
Research Methodology
Review of Resources
Draft Plan
Curriculum
Flexibility
Exploratory
Preparatory

8. HIS9X6: Assessment Essay Criteria Parameters of the investigation
Initial Review of Resources
Historiographical map
Hypothesis
Feasibility
Methodological awareness

9. HIS9X6 Grade Results

10. HIS9X7: Assessment Submission Final Dissertation 6 April
Review Schedule Spring Semester
Final review c March
Draft Chapters Jan.-Feb.
Research
Summer-January/February
Draft Work
assessed

11. HIS9X7: Intermediate Assessment
Review Schedule Autumn Semester
Two or Three pieces of work to be submitted (14 Nov.)
Draft Plan: September
PLUS
(a) Literature Review OR (b) Draft Chapter
Assessment of (a) or (b) only
Substantial progress from HIS9X6
Weighted at 10% of final dissertation grade

12. Project Titles Dissertation Proposal 2009 Dissertations 2010
The Formative Years of Martin Luther King Jr.
British and US Co-operation in the Development of the Atom Bomb
Adventure, Nature and History in the American West: The History of the American Spirit of Adventure and the Call of the Wild.
American History World War II - oral history
Friendship Between John Adams and Mercy Otis Warren
Education and Empowerment in the American Slave Narratives
British military responses to the imperial crisis in American
Dissertations 2010
American Slavery: The lifecycle of female slaves from childhood to adolescence
The role of the CIA in the Rural Pacification of South Vietnam
Assess the impact of soviet propaganda on the changes in civil rights policies in the United States between 1945 and 1974.
Robert S. McNamara’s Role in Foreign Policy Making in Vietnam and China
Alexander Hamilton and the development of an American National identity from 1771 till the fall of Philadelphia in 1777
US Undersecretary George Ball and Vietnam,

13. Observations Gives project focus early on
Raises awareness of research activity
Establishes feasibility
Excellent dissertations
HIS9X6 is “hard module”
Reduces high attainment in final grade?
Recycling material
Research completed after assessment