Studying at York
Short Dissertation - PHI00041H
Module summary
This module enables students to work independently on a well-defined philosophical problem, chosen by themselves with guidance from a supervisor.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
| B | Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
Subject Content
- To enable students to work independently on a well-defined philosophical problem, chosen by themselves with guidance from a supervisor.
Academic and Graduate Skills
- To develop studentsâ abilities to apply philosophical tools and techniques, in order to advance understanding of intellectual problems, and to work independently.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
- Students should be able to display a critical understanding of a philosophical topic of their choosing, with a grasp of the forefront of current research in the area.
Academic and graduate skills
- Students should be able to analyse complex areas of knowledge, displaying critical awareness and synthesise information and ideas from a variety of sources at the forefront of the discipline; Students should show the ability to work autonomously and self critically.
Module content
Applying for the Short Dissertation module:
- The intention to apply for the Short Dissertation should be indicated on the option module app at the time students choose their third year modules. But formal application can be made at any time up to Friday of Week 5 of the term before that in which the Short Dissertation is to commence.
- Students should in the first instance discuss their idea with their supervisor and identify a potential Short Dissertation supervisor. (Students who do not have a Philosophy supervisor should contact the Philosophy link academic for their degree programme.) Students should then approach the potential Short Dissertation supervisor and agree a title and a brief proposal, which the Short Dissertation supervisor can then submit to the Board of Studies for approval.
- The proposal should:
- be clear and precisely worded
- include a well-defined and manageable question or topic
- include some indication of the philosophical background (about 200 words)
- include a preliminary bibliography (minimum 6 works)
- The subject proposed should not be a mere duplication of topics covered in already available modules, though it may comprise a substantial and detailed development of such a topic.
- Overambitious or poorly researched proposals will not receive approval.
- Once a proposal has been discussed and agreed with a potential Short Dissertation supervisor it should be emailed to philosophy@york.ac.uk by Friday of Week 5 in the term prior to commencing the Short Dissertation so that it can be approved by the Board of Studies at its Week 6 meeting
- Students will be contacted after the Board of Studies meeting to let them know whether their proposal has been approved, declined or returned for adjustments.
Supervision arrangements:
- Students will receive at least four hours of personal tuition.
- Students will submit and receive feedback on a plan of their dissertation by a deadline agreed with their dissertation supervisor.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written or verbal feedback on the essay plan at least two weeks after they submit it.
Students will receive feedback on the 4000 word summative assessment four weeks after they submit it.
Indicative reading
N/a