A portfolio of work of approximately 3,000 words which contains:

1. A research proposal (Learning Outcome 1, 2, 3 and 4)
- A title for proposed dissertation (this can be adjusted at a latter date).
- Context for the dissertation.
- The aims of the study and some research questions.
- Explanation of proposed methodology and sources.
- A Research timetable.
- An extensive bibliography - containing books and journal articles from your library research.
2. A summary of the key arguments of three pertinent secondary sources from bibliography - of which one must be from an on-line journal. (Learning Outcome 3).
3. Source Documental Appraisal - which discusses the nature and limitations of this source material and how it relates to secondary reading undertaken (Learning Outcome 2).
4. Appendices including a record of tutorials, library, internet and other research (Learning Outcome 4).

This module is intended to assist students, preparing to undertake an undergraduate dissertation in modern history and international history and global politics and to develop the empirical/source-based , analytical, research, library (including on-line), bibliographical, stylistic and presentational skills necessary to plan a dissertation.

The initial weeks of the module are intended to develop an understanding of what a dissertation involves, and to assist in selecting a topic and beginning background and library based research on which to base dissertation planning. This will be followed up by an exploration of issues in relation to primary sources.

Students will also be provided with a range of guidance on undertaking literature review, selecting methodologies, and theoretical frameworks and the presentation of dissertations.

1. ENABLE STUDENTS TO SUCCESSFULLY UNDERTAKE AN UNDERGRADUATE DISSERTATION AT LEVEL 3. Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem Solving

2. DEVELOP A CRITICAL APPROACH TO THE USE OF PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS, FOR USE IN DISSERTATIONS WHERE APPROPRIATE.
Analysis
Knowledge & Understanding

3. THE ABILITY TO RELATE RELEVANT HISTORIOGRAPHICAL AND/OR GLOBAL POLITICS CONCEPTS TO THE CHOSEN TOPIC OF INVESTIGATION.
Application
Communication
Enquiry
Reflection

4. ABILITY TO TAKE GREATER RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN LEARNING.
Reflection

This module will be taught over twelve weeks via a mixture of workshops and tutorials - which are intended as a support for a significant amount of independent study.

The workshops (where you will often be expected to work in groups) will also be supplemented by individual tutorials.

Workshops 20 hours, Tutorials 1 hour, Independent Study 129 hours.

Blackboard, Library (books, journals and online resources such as JSTOR and Blackwell Reference Online)

There will be a strong emphasis on student engagement with a range of materials and undertaking a review of relevant journals. The following provide useful guidance texts on undertaking dissertations:

Bell, Judith (with Waters, Stephen) Doing your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers, Open University Press, Berkshire, (6th ed.) 2014
Berry, Ralph The Research Project: How To Write It, Routledge, London, (4th ed.) 1999
Levin, Peter Excellent Dissertations!, McGraw-Hill Open University Press, Maidenhead, (2nd ed.) 2011
McDowell, W.H. Historical Research: A Guide, Longman, London, 2002
Neville, Colin The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism, Open University Press, Maidenhead, (2nd ed.) 2010
O'Leary, Zina The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project, Sage, London, (3rd ed.) 2017