Studying at York
PhD Proposal in Political Theory - POL00080M
- Department: Politics and International Relations
- Module co-ordinator: Information currently unavailable
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
This module is designed for students thinking of going on to a PhD (at York or elsewhere). It is supported by compulsory attendance at the Political Theory Workshop, the seminar series of the Political Theory research cluster. Its purpose is to help students to select the topic for their proposed PhD thesis and to equip them with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to produce a PhD proposal which could form the basis of an application to York (or another institution) and which puts the student in the strongest possible position to compete for research funding. The PhD proposal would consist of an outline of the projected thesis, accompanied by an annotated bibliography or literature review, of no more than 4,000 words in total. The outline of the thesis should do more than map out a research area; it should also indicate the lines of argument to be pursued, or the overall positions to be defended. All proposals must contain a research question or questions; a statement of theoretical context; a research design; and a working bibliography. Good proposals will demonstrate that the student has found an interesting project and has ideas worth exploring; the very best proposals will typically describe and partially develop original ideas.
Module learning outcomes
To have acquired the training and skills needed to successfully produce a PhD proposal. To demonstrate an informed grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of a particular literature and the ability to identify a relevant research question arising out of it. To explain the method or methods by which an answer to that question will be pursued, the approach adopted, and the explanatory, normative, or cognitive gains promised. To write effectively and concisely.
Indicative assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework 4000 word essay |
N/A | 100 |
Special assessment rules
Pass/fail
Indicative reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework 4000 word essay |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's feedback and guidance hours.
Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than six weeks after submission; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and guidance hours.
Indicative reading
n/a