BA English and Liberal Arts Dissertation

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
• Convenor: Dr Grace Halden
• Assessment: a 7000-word dissertation (100%)

The dissertation is an opportunity to work in depth on a particular theme of your choice. It might be understood as the culmination of your work at Birkbeck, for it offers you the opportunity to work, semi-autonomously, with the skills and knowledge that you have acquired here.

The dissertation can arise out of modules you have taken (i.e. you may wish to go into more depth on a topic which you have encountered on the BA English or BA Liberal Arts). Sometimes students take the opportunity to establish links between the various components of their degree course (although this is not compulsory). Alternatively, you might enter into a new area of research, backed up by the skills in research, methodology and writing that you have acquired during the degree.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• consolidate and develop the research skills you have acquired, with the guidance of a supervisor
• plan, research and structure the argument of a substantial piece of writing
• identify, discuss and assess the secondary literature relevant to your topic, and position your own research in relation to it
• demonstrate skills in independent research
• demonstrate skills in planning and time management.