Studying at York
Undergraduate Dissertation - SOC00062H
- Department: Sociology
- Credit value: 40 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module summary
The dissertation offers you the opportunity to devise and carry out an independent research project on a topic of your own choice in your programme of study.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 to Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
The dissertation offers you the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in your programme of study (sociology, criminology or social psychology). Researching a topic of your own choice, you will utilize your in-depth understanding of relevant sociological, criminological or social psychological perspectives and theories, and devise and conduct a feasible, appropriate and ethical methodology to investigate your topic. Our aim is to empower you to manage a sustained research project that draws on accumulated skills, particularly in terms of argument, project design and research method.
Module learning outcomes
Design and undertake a research project which draws upon appropriate qualitative, quantitative and theoretical skills, in order to produce rigorous analyses of a sociological, criminological or social psychological topic
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a self-selected topic in the context of relevant sociological, criminological or social psychological perspectives and theories, and, in the case of BA Criminology, policies.
Use your knowledge of sociological, criminological or social psychological theories to synthesise and communicate complex arguments regarding the understanding of social worlds, issues and debates in contemporary culture.
For BA Criminology - if relevant identify any policy implications of their criminological research
Explain, analyse and apply complex sociological, criminological or social psychologically informed concepts and theories, and in the case of BA Criminology, policies, to craft a more considered understanding of social worlds.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues in your research and to act accordingly in your interactions with others, display sensitivity to the well-being of others and design research involving others.
Be resourceful in planning and managing their own work-load effectively and carrying out self-directed work.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
For formative work - brief dissertation plan, ethics form and extract - students will receive written or verbal feedback on how to improve their skills in areas that will contribute towards their summative assessment. Both formative assessments provide practice for the summative tasks, which entail an observational exercise and are in line with MLO 1,3,6,7.
For summative work -dissertation - students will receive an overall mark and grading according to clearly defined criteria for assessing their knowledge, skills and abilities in line with MLO 1-7. They will also receive written feedback showing areas in which they have done well, and those areas in which they need to improve that will contribute to their progress.
Indicative reading
O'Leary, Z. (2010) The Essential Guide to Doing your Research Project, London: SAGE