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

2. Choice of Topic No right or wrong topic
Feasibility: Supervisor and Primary sources
Primary sources—use what’s in it
Secondary sources—no right or wrong
General Topic allows for some flexibility
Communication with supervisor and peers
Collect material and write down notes

3. 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!
Dissertation aims: independent work, in-depth exploration of a topic, problem solving

4. Time Management Essay Submission Deadlines and Dissertation Deadlines
Dive in! 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

5. 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?)

6. Analysis Challenging topic=Interesting Topic Define topic
Work-in-progress: from small sub-sections to larger sections
Do not be too ambitious
A ‘simple’ analysis is enough!
Do not try to be too sophisticated and ‘original’
Stick to the primary sources in the first instance
Avoid generalisation before analysing the sources

7. Clarity of expression and style
Resources available on Department website and handbook
Routeldge “Writing Essays. A guide for students in English and the Humanities”
Read back at yourself what you have written
Clarity of expression=clarity of thought
Are you sure you have a clear idea of what you wish to show?
Avoid figures of style to hide lack of clarity

8. 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

9. 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

10. Oral Presentation and Powerpoint
Use support provided (next week’s session and resources on website)
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!

11. Submission and Tabula
Intermediary deadlines: if Tabula crashes, advise Kymberly and Clare Rowan and send us an electronic copy by and a hard copy 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
If Tabula crashes for final submission we have record of hard copy

12. Stress and Illness Stress: communicate with supervisor
We know what you’re going through!
Illness: communicate with supervisor
Applying for extensions
The sooner the better
You can expect support from us