Studying at York
Dissertation for Archaeological Scientists - ARC00011H
Module summary
The purpose of the dissertation is to enable students to undertake a substantial piece of independent research on an archaeological science subject of their own choosing (BSc Bioarchaeology students must undertake a dissertation with a bioarchaeological theme). Students will apply the research and study skills acquired during their first and second years to produce an extended piece of written work with the guidance and supervision of a member of academic staff.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 to Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
During this module, students will be supported in the writing of a substantial piece of independent written research in the field of scientific archaeology.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a specialist knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject
- Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and a range of primary and secondary archaeological data to execute a programme of research, working independently
- Have the ability to structure a substantial piece of written work
- Present a written dissertation to professional standards, including appropriate graphical and text presentation skills
- Demonstrate effective time management in completing a substantial piece of independent work to deadline
Module content
The dissertation is an independent study module, so most of the time you will be working individually on your own project. However, you will also have periodic meetings, submit draft work, and get feedback and advice from your dissertation supervisor to aid you in developing and writing your dissertation. In addition to one-on-one supervisions there will be a series of small-group workshops across both semesters to provide support with key research skills, and to provide a forum to constructively discuss the progress of your dissertation with staff and peers.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative: written feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
Subject Guide to Dissertations: https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/academic-writing/dissertations
Booth, Wayne C., Columb, Gregory G., and Williams, Joseph M. 2016. The Craft of Research, 4th ed., London: The University of Chicago Press.
Day, Trevor. 2018. Success in Academic Writing, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.