1. Briefing on Information and Requirements for Dissertations Department of English Language and Literature Dr. Szerencsi Katalin Dr. Granville Pillar Adapted by Dr. Kiss Tamás in 2008 6 September 2005

2. Topics for Discussion General Information General Information Roles and Obligations of the Student Roles and Obligations of the Student Roles and Obligations of the Supervisor Roles and Obligations of the Supervisor Dissertation Format and Regulations Dissertation Format and Regulations The Components of a Dissertation The Components of a Dissertation Research Methodology Research Methodology Dissertation Disciplines Dissertation Disciplines Assessment Criteria Assessment Criteria Grading Grading Question Time Question Time

3. General Information The submission of a dissertation is a requirement for every final-year student. The submission of a dissertation is a requirement for every final-year student. Students should have finalised their dissertation topics with their supervisors after having successfully completed half of their studies. Students should have finalised their dissertation topics with their supervisors after having successfully completed half of their studies. Faculty information on dissertations is now available on the college web site. The current departmental guidelines can be obtained from the home page of the English Department. Faculty information on dissertations is now available on the college web site. The current departmental guidelines can be obtained from the home page of the English Department.

4. General Information Previously written dissertations are available for viewing in the English Department’s library. Previously written dissertations are available for viewing in the English Department’s library.

5. Roles and Obligations of the Student Each student is entitled to 6-8 hours supervision spread throughout the dissertation writing process. Failure to attend a consultation without explanation will result in loss of that hour. Students are required to come with written work or prepared questions - mere presence at the consultation is not sufficient.

6. Each student should, produce basic ideas; write a detailed study plan and follow it; make changes as are necessary; access materials for the research; accept constructive criticism from the supervisor; hand in the dissertation on time.

7. Deadline for the Submission of Dissertations April or November Dissertations received after the specified date will not be accepted, and will thus result in failure of the dissertation. The exact date of submission is regulated by the College Senate. For information, please consult the college website

8. Deadline for the Submission of Dissertations Dissertations should be submitted to the supervisor at least 30 days BEFORE the final exams

9. Roles and Obligations of the Supervisor The supervisor, helps students to clarify a chosen topic; shares his or her knowledge on the topic; advises students on the choice of research instruments; agrees on deadlines at the stages of the writing process; reads the student’s drafts and suggests any changes;

10. The supervisor, provides the evaluation of the dissertation; compiles the necessary information for the defence of the dissertation; is present at the defence.

11. Dissertation Format and Regulations (for double major students & correspondence students working towards a teaching degree) Length: Length: approx. 30 pages approx. 30 pages double spaced, A4, Times New Roman (12) double spaced, A4, Times New Roman (12) Margins: Margins: left - 3 cms left - 3 cms right - 3 cms right - 3 cms bottom - 2 cms bottom - 2 cms top - 2 cms top - 2 cms

12. Dissertation Format and Regulations (for BA full time & correspondence students) Length: Length: 6,000 – 7,500 words 6,000 – 7,500 words 1,5 spaced, A4, Times New Roman (12) 1,5 spaced, A4, Times New Roman (12) Margins: Margins: left - 3 cms left - 3 cms right - 3 cms right - 3 cms bottom - 2 cms bottom - 2 cms top - 2 cms top - 2 cms

13. Dissertation Format and Regulations The 30-page limit (for teaching degrees) and the minimum 6,000-word limit (for BA students) do not include: The 30-page limit (for teaching degrees) and the minimum 6,000-word limit (for BA students) do not include: title page title page abstract abstract table of contents table of contents references or bibliography references or bibliography appendices appendices diagrams, graphs, illustrations diagrams, graphs, illustrations statistical tables statistical tables

14. Dissertation Format and Regulations Page Numbering: Page Numbering: consecutively in Arabic numerals consecutively in Arabic numerals e.g. 1, 2, 3,… not i, ii, iii,… e.g. 1, 2, 3,… not i, ii, iii,… Chapters: Chapters: new page for every new chapter; new page for every new chapter; chapter heading is to be in distinctive typeface separated from main text; chapter heading is to be in distinctive typeface separated from main text; the first line of new paragraphs should be indented 5 spaces. the first line of new paragraphs should be indented 5 spaces. no indentation after main titles or subtitles no indentation after main titles or subtitles

15. Dissertation Format and Regulations Binding: Binding: one copy to be submitted to the English Department; one copy to be submitted to the English Department; one copy for the student to keep; one copy for the student to keep; dissertation must be bound in accordance with the faculty requirements; dissertation must be bound in accordance with the faculty requirements; spiral binding or plastic sleeve covers are not acceptable; spiral binding or plastic sleeve covers are not acceptable; BA students are also required to submit a soft copy of their work on a CD. BA students are also required to submit a soft copy of their work on a CD.

16. Dissertation Format and Regulations Plagiarism: Plagiarism: is the deliberate copying of the work of another author, word for word, without due acknowledgement; is the deliberate copying of the work of another author, word for word, without due acknowledgement; is the borrowing of ideas and arguments of another author without due acknowledgement, even if the wording differs from the original source; is the borrowing of ideas and arguments of another author without due acknowledgement, even if the wording differs from the original source; copying the work of a fellow student or from someone who is unknown to you. copying the work of a fellow student or from someone who is unknown to you.

17. Dissertation Format and Regulations Culpable Plagiarism: Culpable Plagiarism: is stealing and is cheating; is stealing and is cheating; in any part or of any length, will result in automatic failure of the dissertation. in any part or of any length, will result in automatic failure of the dissertation. Suspected Plagiarism: Suspected Plagiarism: prior to the final submission of the dissertation, this will be indicated to the student who will be invited to re-submit his or her dissertation with revised referencing and acknowledgements. prior to the final submission of the dissertation, this will be indicated to the student who will be invited to re-submit his or her dissertation with revised referencing and acknowledgements.

18. Dissertation Format and Regulations Avoid Plagiarism by: Avoid Plagiarism by: noting bibliographical details (title, author, year of publication, publisher etc.) and page number of the text. noting bibliographical details (title, author, year of publication, publisher etc.) and page number of the text. enclosing direct quotations taken from a source with quotation marks (i.e. “…..”) and noting page number. enclosing direct quotations taken from a source with quotation marks (i.e. “…..”) and noting page number. noting bibliographical details after a paraphrased or summarised text taken from an original source. noting bibliographical details after a paraphrased or summarised text taken from an original source.

19. Dissertation Format and Regulations Avoid Plagiarism by: Avoid Plagiarism by: reading faculty handbooks (available from the faculty library) which include instructions for correct quotation citation and referencing. reading faculty handbooks (available from the faculty library) which include instructions for correct quotation citation and referencing. If Culpable and/or Suspected Plagiarism is identified prior to the submission deadline and in unbound form, the supervisior will advise the student to amend the dissertation in accordance with the regulations. No such amendment is possible after the dissertation has been submitted in bound form.

20. Dissertation Format and Regulations We as a department would rather receive original work from students which contains some language errors, than perfect work which is not their own, but simply copied from secondary sources. A plagiarised dissertation tells us nothing about a student’s knowledge or intellectual competence. As such, it is not assessable. We as a department would rather receive original work from students which contains some language errors, than perfect work which is not their own, but simply copied from secondary sources. A plagiarised dissertation tells us nothing about a student’s knowledge or intellectual competence. As such, it is not assessable.

21. The Components of a Dissertation ¶ Title Page · Abstract (Summary or Synopsis) ¸ Acknowledgements ¹ Table of Contents º Introduction » Literature Review (Survey) Ð Chapters Containing Body of Research ½ Conclusion ¾ References/Bibliography ¿ Appendices

22. The Components of a Dissertation ¶ Title Page: Gives title, author, college and year of submission. Gives title, author, college and year of submission. Title should summarise the main idea of the dissertation, and be no more that 20 words. Title should summarise the main idea of the dissertation, and be no more that 20 words. · Abstract: Gives a summary of the dissertation and should be between 100-150 words. Gives a summary of the dissertation and should be between 100-150 words.

23. The Components of a Dissertation Abstract may include: Abstract may include: background background aim of the research aim of the research methods used methods used main findings main findings recommendations recommendations conclusion conclusion

24. The Components of a Dissertation ¸ Acknowledgements: reference to anyone who has given substantial assistance with the research reference to anyone who has given substantial assistance with the research your supervisor your supervisor someone who has given comments someone who has given comments person who typed it person who typed it anyone who has given you personal support anyone who has given you personal support

25. The Components of a Dissertation ¹ Table of Contents: should correspond to your list of chapter headings and subheadings; should correspond to your list of chapter headings and subheadings; system of numbering should not go beyond two subdivisions. system of numbering should not go beyond two subdivisions. i.e. 1.2.6 or 3.4.4., not 1.2.6.1 or 3.4.4.1 i.e. 1.2.6 or 3.4.4., not 1.2.6.1 or 3.4.4.1

26. The Components of a Dissertation º Introduction establishes the topic of the research establishes the topic of the research establishes the research question establishes the research question establishes the rationale - summarises previous research on the topic establishes the rationale - summarises previous research on the topic establishes the significance and indicates what is missing in previous research establishes the significance and indicates what is missing in previous research establishes the aim of the research establishes the aim of the research

27. The Components of a Dissertation » Literature Review in an empirical study it is always between the Introduction and Methodology chapters; in an empirical study it is always between the Introduction and Methodology chapters; in a non-empirical study it is normally incorporated into the body of the dissertation. in a non-empirical study it is normally incorporated into the body of the dissertation.

28. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Harvard, MLA or APA Systems (in-text or author/date) Harvard, MLA or APA Systems (in-text or author/date) Note System (either footnotes or endnotes) Note System (either footnotes or endnotes) Full bibliographical details are given in alphabetical order in the References/Bibliography at the end of the dissertation. Full bibliographical details are given in alphabetical order in the References/Bibliography at the end of the dissertation.

29. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Direct quotations shorter than 30 words should be enclosed with quotation marks, followed by the number of citation (in superscript) if using the note citation system, or by the author’s name/authors’ names, date of source and page number (in parenthesis, i.e. round brackets), if using the in-text system. Direct quotations shorter than 30 words should be enclosed with quotation marks, followed by the number of citation (in superscript) if using the note citation system, or by the author’s name/authors’ names, date of source and page number (in parenthesis, i.e. round brackets), if using the in-text system.

30. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Direct quotations longer than 30 words should be single-spaced, indented 5 spaces and in a font one size smaller than the body text. Quotation marks are not needed and the source should be given at the end of the quotation in parenthesis. Direct quotations longer than 30 words should be single-spaced, indented 5 spaces and in a font one size smaller than the body text. Quotation marks are not needed and the source should be given at the end of the quotation in parenthesis.

31. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Direct quotations placed within quotation marks must be the exact words found in the source. The spelling, punctuation verb tense, verb-subject agreement etc, must not be altered to suit your text. Rather, your text should be changed to conform to the quotation. Direct quotations placed within quotation marks must be the exact words found in the source. The spelling, punctuation verb tense, verb-subject agreement etc, must not be altered to suit your text. Rather, your text should be changed to conform to the quotation.

32. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Paraphrases or ideas gleaned from a source should also be acknowledged, but it is not necessary to enclose them in quotation marks or give the page number. Paraphrases or ideas gleaned from a source should also be acknowledged, but it is not necessary to enclose them in quotation marks or give the page number. Citations of paraphrases should include the author’s name/authors’ names and date of publication directly after the paraphrase. Citations of paraphrases should include the author’s name/authors’ names and date of publication directly after the paraphrase.

33. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Author is mentioned in the body of the text. Example: Author is mentioned in the body of the text. Example: Cognition is defined by Jacobs and Schuman (1992:24) as “… the perception of a stimulus, attention to that stimulus, the movement of that stimulus into memory, and finally, the expression or the use of that information.” Cognition is defined by Jacobs and Schuman (1992:24) as “… the perception of a stimulus, attention to that stimulus, the movement of that stimulus into memory, and finally, the expression or the use of that information.”

34. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Author is not mentioned in the body of the text. Example: Author is not mentioned in the body of the text. Example: Cognition is defined as “… the perception of a stimulus, attention to that stimulus, the movement of that stimulus into memory, and finally, the expression or the use of that information” (Jacobs and Schuman, 1992:24) Cognition is defined as “… the perception of a stimulus, attention to that stimulus, the movement of that stimulus into memory, and finally, the expression or the use of that information” (Jacobs and Schuman, 1992:24)

35. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Quoting from a source taken from the internet, cited in the text Quoting from a source taken from the internet, cited in the text If author’s name and date are available: If author’s name and date are available: e.g. (Smith, 2003) – then quote full citation details in References/Bibliography e.g. (Smith, 2003) – then quote full citation details in References/Bibliography If author’s name or date is not available, the minimum information should include the date retrieved and the full web page reference. If author’s name or date is not available, the minimum information should include the date retrieved and the full web page reference. e.g. (retrieved August 19, 2005 from the World Wide Web: ww.englishclub.net/teachers/workshop/video.htm) e.g. (retrieved August 19, 2005 from the World Wide Web: ww.englishclub.net/teachers/workshop/video.htm)

36. The Components of a Dissertation Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Literature Review - Citation Conventions: Quoting from a source taken from the internet cited in References/Bibliography Quoting from a source taken from the internet cited in References/Bibliography Details of text, including name of author/authors, date of publication (if available), title of article, place published and publisher (if applicable) full web page reference (i.e. http://www ……….and the date on which you downloaded it from the internet (e.g. Smith, K. (2003), Metaphysical Poetry. Retrieved August 19, 2005 from the World Wide Web: www.englishclub.net/teachers/workshop/video.htm) Details of text, including name of author/authors, date of publication (if available), title of article, place published and publisher (if applicable) full web page reference (i.e. http://www ……….and the date on which you downloaded it from the internet (e.g. Smith, K. (2003), Metaphysical Poetry. Retrieved August 19, 2005 from the World Wide Web: www.englishclub.net/teachers/workshop/video.htm)

37. The Components of a Dissertation ¼ Chapters Containing Body of the Research: Empirical Research (i.e.gathering of data [quantitative or qualitative] based on experiment and/or observation) Empirical Research (i.e.gathering of data [quantitative or qualitative] based on experiment and/or observation) a presentation of the research method a presentation of the research method a presentation of the findings a presentation of the findings a discussion of the findings a discussion of the findings

38. The Components of a Dissertation ¼ Chapters Containing Body of the Research: Non-Empirical or Analytical Research (i.e.where throughout the study there is a line of argument usually based on research questions you have developed about concepts or theories in your discipline area) Non-Empirical or Analytical Research (i.e.where throughout the study there is a line of argument usually based on research questions you have developed about concepts or theories in your discipline area) structure and content are much less predictable structure and content are much less predictable

39. The Components of a Dissertation ¼ Conclusion Reports the procedure and aims. Reports the procedure and aims. Reports findings and claims based on the findings. Reports findings and claims based on the findings. Supports how other research supports present findings (or vice versa). Supports how other research supports present findings (or vice versa). Suggests limitations of procedure or findings. Suggests limitations of procedure or findings. Proposes implications of the findings or claims based on findings. Proposes implications of the findings or claims based on findings. Makes recommendations. Makes recommendations.

40. Dissertation Disciplines British and American Studies British and American Studies Literary Topics Literary Topics Stylistics Stylistics Literary Theory Literary Theory Translation Translation Cultural Studies Cultural Studies

41. Dissertation Disciplines Language and Linguistics Language and Linguistics Practical, Descriptive and Contrastive Grammar Practical, Descriptive and Contrastive Grammar Applied Linguistics Applied Linguistics Language Testing Language Testing Discourse Analysis Discourse Analysis Translation Translation

42. Dissertation Disciplines Methodology (for teaching degree students) Methodology (for teaching degree students) Comparative Studies on Teaching Approaches Comparative Studies on Teaching Approaches Language in the Classroom Language in the Classroom Error Analysis Error Analysis Classroom Management Classroom Management Course Book Evaluation Course Book Evaluation Skills Teaching Skills Teaching Teacher Training Teacher Training

43. Dissertation Topics Methodology Methodology Content Content The dissertation must be classroom related and contain evidence of empirical, original research conducted through a number of different methods: e.g. questionnaires, case studies, interviews, observation instruments and/or textual analysis. The dissertation must be classroom related and contain evidence of empirical, original research conducted through a number of different methods: e.g. questionnaires, case studies, interviews, observation instruments and/or textual analysis.

44. Assessment Criteria Theoretical integrity and practical applicability 0-10 Relevance of and critical approach to the topic 0-5 Structure and balance 0-10 Expression of personal opinion 0-10 Language, style and accuracy 0-15

45. Grading 46-50 = 5 46-50 = 5 39-45 = 4 39-45 = 4 32-38 = 3 32-38 = 3 25-31 = 2 25-31 = 2 0-24 = 1 0-24 = 1