1. in-depth exploration of a topic
Dissertations
Aims:
independent work
in-depth exploration of a topic
problem solving
employability skills

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?)

7. 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

8. 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’

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Why at end of spring term?
Allows you to focus on revision for exams
Triple marking

15. Stress and Illness Stress: communicate with supervisor
Time Management key
Illness: communicate with supervisor
Applying for extensions
You can expect support from us