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. Autumn Term
Monday 8th October 2018, 12 noon (Week 2) Submit a 250-word plan of study and the (provisional) title of your dissertation on Tabula. This is to facilitate the allocation of appropriate supervisors. Supervisors will be allocated by the end of Week 2.
Monday 8th October 2018, 12-1 (Week 2) Library resources for writing dissertations by Research Librarian Christopher Vernon (Library, Library Training Room, 2nd floor of the Library)

12. Autumn Term
Week 3: All students should contact their supervisors to arrange for a supervision in Week 3, to discuss plans of study and work.
Wednesday 24th October 2018, 12 noon (week 4): Submit an outline plan of your project including chapter headings; also submit a bibliography of items already read + a list of items which you intend to read. This must be submitted on Tabula.
Friday 14th December 2018, 12 noon (week 11): Submit a sample chapter on Tabula. You will receive written feedback on this from your supervisor at the start of the spring term.

13. Oral Presentation and Powerpoint in the Spring Term
Weeks 2 & 3 (days, locations, and times to be arranged) Present a 10-minute powerpoint presentation before peers and a member of staff of dissertation topic, with handout. This should include an outline of the dissertation as a whole, including chapter headings, and explain the dissertation’s research context and original contribution to the topic. Special attention should be paid to methodology and structure. This will be followed by 5 minutes of discussion.

14. Oral Presentation and Powerpoint in the Spring Term
Feedback will be given on all aspects of structure, content, and presentation of the talk. Students should use handouts and Powerpoint presentations as visual aids. Handouts should be given to the staff member leading the group 48 hours before the presentation is due so that photocopies can be made. All participants will fill out a feedback form on the others in their group.

15. Oral Presentation and Powerpoint
Use support provided (Friday 11th 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

16. Final Deadlines
Wednesday 23rd January 2019 by 12 noon (week 3) Students to submit the precise title of the dissertation on Tabula.
Monday 18th March 2019 by 12 noon (last day of term) FINAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE - 12 NOON. The final dissertation must be submitted in hard copy to the Departmental office AND electronically on Tabula. Please don't forget to allow time for printing + binding.

17. Submission and Tabula
Intermediary deadlines: 2th October (plan), 14th December (first chapter), 23rd January (title)
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

18. 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

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

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