PPR.399, PPR. 394, PPR. 393 Dissertation modules (Optional)

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PPR.399, PPR. 394, PPR. 393 Dissertationmodules
(Optional)

• Ngai-Ling Sum, PPR Dept., Lancaster University

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Outline 7 Parts

• Course aims
• Why the dissertation is important
• Choosing a topic
• Supervisor and Supervision
• Research Ethics
• Dissertation Scoping, Planning and Writing
• Library resources 4-5 pm
• Laura Pimperton PPR subject librarian

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I Course Aims
Explore a topic in depth
Use skills and knowledge gained from other modules
Experience of independent work with the advice of
a mentor
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II Why important?

• 1. Develops important skills
• ability to analyse in-depth and to work
  independently
• skills in making arguments, presenting evidence
  and communicating complex ideas
• transfer these skills to work and postgraduate
  studies
• 2. You can choose the topic!
• Can focus on something that interests you (but
  needs also to be manageable)
• Enables you to work with an experienced member of
  staff

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What kind of dissertation?

• PPR 399 The standard one!
• PPR 394 Dissertation with external collaboration
• PPR 393 Dissertation with field studies
• Fill in form in dissertation handbook for ALL
  these options but indicate if you want to be
  considered for PPR 394 or PPR 393

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III Choosing a topic
Find an area Propose a focused topic
Propose supervisors
Best to match your interest with possible
supervisors
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Focused topic

• What is it you are interested in?
• What question are you answering?
• What answer do you think you will give?
• Why?
• How are you going to get there?

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How to focus on a topic?
Area Topic More focused topic
Politics British politics Development of multi-party system in British politics
IR Security Radicalization of the West
Philosophy Applied ethics Euthanasia
Religious Studies Contemporary Christianity Evangelical Christians
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From topic to research question
Area More focused topic Research question
Politics British politics Development of multi-party system Why has Britain gone from a 2-3 to a 6-party system?
IR Security Radicalization of Islam Is the role of Islam in radicalization over-estimated?
Philosophy applied ethics Euthanasia the legal status of euthanasia in a liberal society Should autonomous individuals be legally allowed the right to die?
Religious Studies Contemporary Christianity Evangelical Christians Why is evangelical Christianity the fastest growing part of the church in Britain?
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Two things to keep in mind
It is usually sensible to choose a topic related
to something you are doing or have done
Its also good if you can match your topic to the
interests of possible supervisors
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Just a long essay?

• The dissertation is something more than just a
  long essay
• 1. Choose a fairly focused topic and show that
  you can analyse theoretical and/or empirical
  issues in detail
• 2. For some dissertations, sources might go
  beyond academic books, articles and web search
  (some do fieldwork)
• 3. Present ideas as linked chapters
• (help available from student learning support
  from the faculty Joanne.wood_at_lancaster.ac.uk)

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IV Supervisor and Supervision

• Supervisor assigned in the Summer Term
• See your supervisor
• Informal chat
• Get direction

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Supervision General

• Supervisors will provide 3 hours of supervision.
• That allows for six 30-minute meetings.
• Your supervisor will
• i. help you to focus your topic and work out a
  more precise title
• ii. give you advice on your plan of research and
  on appropriate reading
• iii. comment on an outline plan for the
  dissertation of 1500 words (max)
• iv. be available from time to time (by
  appointment) for consultation and advice.
• But your supervisor will not read or comment on
  the completed draft of the dissertation prior to
  submission

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Supervision 2015-16

• Most supervisors will be assigned for the whole
  period
• Some special arrangement 2015-16
• There will be more members of staff on sabbatical
  leave in Michaelmas term (marked in the
  handbook)
• Chris Macleod, Alison Stone, Sossie Kasbarian,
  Simon Mabon, Anderson Jeremiah, and Kim Knott
  (see p. 24- 27)
• As they are area specialists, you will still be
  assigned to them
• They will supervise you during
• the summer term and summer holiday 2015
• the Lent term 2016
• The interim Michaelmas Term 2015
• Assign another member of staff for consultation
• Transfer back to the supervisor for the Lent Term

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V Research ethics

• Take personal responsibility for conducting the
  research and writing up the results do no harm
• Obtain informed consent from all participants
• Give particular attention to vulnerable
  participants
• Ensure confidentiality and anonymity of data
• Do not undertake research without the necessary
  skills
• Write up the findings with honesty and integrity
• Consider providing feedback to participants
• Remember that you are representing the university!

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Research with human subjects

• A PPR ethical approval form must be completed (p.
  19-20)
• The form must be approved by your supervisor
  PRIOR to any data collection.
• If you require a letter to confirm you have
  received ethical approval for the project this is
  issued by your supervisor
• See University procedures for ethical approval at
  http//www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/resources/ethics/proce
  dures.htm more details at meeting on 13th March
  See dissertation handbook pages 18-20.

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VI Dissertation Scoping, Planning and Writing

• Summer 2015
• Scoping, reading and planning
• Michaelmas 2015 Start Planning and Writing
• Outline
• Chapters
• More reading and writing
• Solidify direction
• Lent 2016 Finalizing and Finish writing
• Chapter details and refinements
• Bibliography and References
• Check your work

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Sources Scoping

• Library One Search
• Books
• Journals
• Newspapers and periodicals
• Websites
• Other? Fieldwork?

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Outline and chapters

• Chapters
• What does each chapter do?
• How does it fit into the whole?
• How are the chapters broken down?

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Example Chapters

• Chapter 1 Introduction
• Chapter 2 Globalization and Capitalism
• Chapter 3 Global Capitalism and Financial Crisis
• Chapter 4 Financial Crisis and EU Austerity
  Politics
• Chapter 5 The Case of Greece
• Chapter 6 Implications for EU Integration/
• Disintegration
• Chapter 7 Conclusion

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VII Library Resources

• Library One Search
• Books
• Journals
• Newspapers and periodicals
• Websites
• Lorna Pimperton (PPR subject librarian)

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What to do next...

• Start thinking about a topic
• Start thinking about a possible supervisor (check
  the handbook to see who is available note those
  with )
• Return your form to Helen (B.40) no later than
  Wed 29th April 2015 (deadline)

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Working on the dissertation

• Assigning of supervisor
• First meeting with supervisor no later than the
  end of the Summer term
• Aim to get your topic finally agreed during the
  Summer term
• Work on your dissertation during the Summer
  vacation, if possible, and during next Michaelmas
  and Lent terms
• Dissertation must be submitted by Monday 18th
  April 2016

New dissertation modules 1000 word plan to be
approved by end Summer term.