If you are intending to write a dissertation in History you are required successfully to complete this module which prepares you for the 10,000 word dissertation at Level 3. The History Dissertation Preparation Plan module (DPP) is devised to introduce you first to the necessary empirical/source-based, historiographical, analytical, research, library (including on-line), bibliographical, stylistic and presentational skills necessary to produce a dissertation plan. There will be opportunities to address aspects such as 'What is History?', 'How do I choose a topic?', 'How do I do research?', 'Writing skills and chapter structure'. You will then continue to work on your DPP in conjunction with your individual supervisor(s), who will assist you in the preparation of the DPP. You may also take this module if you are a joint student intending to do a Dissertation in your other subject and in consultation with your other subject tutor(s) feel that this module would be of benefit to you.

History Dissertation Preparation Plan of 2500 words to the brief to be specified in the module booklet

Single or Joint honours history

This module is taught for six weeks by the module tutor and library staff and comprises lectures and seminars followed by regular tutorials from Week 7 with your supervisor. The purpose of the lectures and seminars (backed up by a VLE Blackboard component of resources and discussion) is to provide introductory guidance on how to formulate, research and structure your dissertation preparation plan project, and for students to present their initial project ideas for group discussion. The meetings with the supervisor will enable you to develop and refine your proposal and discuss in more depth the particular methodological and historiographical issues arising.

Recommended library books and journals and on-line resources
Use of Inter-library loans system.
Internet access data projection in lectures if available.

Blaxter, Lorraine et. al How to Research, Open Univ. Press, Buckingham, 2nd edn. 2001
Berger, Stefan & Feldner, Heiko & Passmore, Kevin Writing History: Theory and Practice, Arnold, London, 2003
Bell, Judith, Doing your Research Project, Open University Press, Milton Keynes, 3rd edn. 1999
Berry, Ralph The Research Project: How To Write It, Routledge, London, 4th edn. 1999
Black, Jeremy & MacRaild, Donald M. Studying History, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke 2nd edn. 2000
Jordanova, Ludmilla: History in Practice, Arnold, London, 2000
McDowell, W.H. Historical Research: A Guide, Longman, London, 2002
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Univ. of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1996