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in-depth exploration of a topic
Dissertations Aims: independent work in-depth exploration of a topic problem solving employability skills
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Choice of Topic No right or wrong topic: focus on a question
Feasibility: Supervisor and Primary sources Primary sources Secondary sources – critical thinking Looking forwards: relevance to further research or job
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Examples of Topics The monetization of the Roman countryside in the imperial period The Food Supply of the Imperial Roman Army Alexander the Great & the Greeks Did the ancient world care about skin colour? Homeric simile: Misogyny & Androgyny in Odyssey Homeric myth in the progymnasmata of Libanius The Use Of Ancient Greek Tragedy Within Shakespeare Greek Mathematics: The debate between Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
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Essays vs Dissertations
Essay deadlines are important Use intermediary deadlines as an opportunity to work regularly Avoid working on dissertation at the last minute Dissertation topic vs. an essay topic Dissertation topic is yours to shape as you see fit Set aside regular slots for dissertation work
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Time Management Dissertation Deadlines
Make decisions and stick to them Go to the Library, read, take notes Regular Contact with your supervisor By Term 1: one Chapter By Week 6 of Term 2: Draft of the whole dissertation
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Procrastination Writing a dissertation takes time!
Time to think vs Time to write BUT you need something to think about SO write first and then think it through If you are stuck, talk things through with someone Go back to the definition of your topic (what are you trying to do?)
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Analysis Challenging topic = interesting Topic Do not be too ambitious
Define topic Work-in-progress: from small sub-sections to larger sections A ‘simple’ analysis is enough Stick to the primary sources in the first instance Avoid generalisation before analysing the sources
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Clarity of expression and style
Resources on Dept website & handbook Training in academic writing: Read aloud what you have written Clarity of expression = clarity of thought Are you sure you have a clear idea of what you wish to show? Dangers of ‘probability’
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Topic and Dissertation
It is YOUR dissertation It will be what you make of it You are free to focus on one perspective or approach You are free to focus on one set of sources provided you justify it You will be able to find alternative ways of dealing with the topic if you encounter issues such as lack of sources
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If you “hate” your topic…
An interesting topic is always challenging Modify perspective/approach rather than topic Your topic will not be ‘rejected’ You will get feedback on feasibility of topic You can change topic—deadline 25 January Make sure you have good reasons to change topic Communicate with supervisor
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Oral Presentation and Powerpoint
Use support provided (Tues 9th Jan) Opportunity to get extra feedback Opportunity to formulate your thoughts and identify gaps in your analysis Feedback from peers and an academic You will not be judged! Importance of transferrable skills in presenting yourself
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Submission and Tabula Intermediary deadlines:
What to do if Tabula crashes: copy by & printout to the office by the deadline Final deadline: submit well on time Anticipate problems (printer, Tabula, traffic, etc.) Final deadline: you MUST submit a hard copy of the dissertation
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Why submit a hard copy? Satisfaction
Allows you to check everything is as it should be (illustrations, footnotes, bibliography) Easier for it to be marked properly
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Why at end of spring term?
Allows you to focus on revision for exams Triple marking
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Stress and Illness Stress: communicate with supervisor
Time Management key Illness: communicate with supervisor Applying for extensions You can expect support from us
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