1. A dissertation is an extensive piece of writing in which you present your own arguments and opinions, about your chosen topic, in a reasoned and justified way.

2. Differences 4x longer than the Essay (6,000 words) You choose the topic You devise the questions you want to explore in relation to your topic More time to complete Dissertation V Essay Similarities Same skills… research; reading; note taking; structuring; organisation; evaluation proof reading Writing – critical debate!

3. What you need to know about Dissertations - you are in the driving seat, we are here to guide you (personal commitment) it will allow you to develop a personal specialism (become an expert) you will need to read / study extensively and keep organised records research should take you beyond the college library (breadth and depth) you will develop skills in finding, selecting and critically analysing information; decision making and task management

4. Choosing your topic ( a reminder) Devote time to considering your topic… – browse library/journals, – discuss with tutors/colleagues Reflect on your interests and experiences over the past 2 years Is the topic relevant to your course and your studio work (ideally it will support your practice in some way). Don’t take on the world…say a lot about a little… – narrow down your topic over the summer, – raise questions that will give a focus to the topic Is there enough published material available and can you access it in the timescale. – use library and e-resources a.s.a.p – locate 5 initial sources to examine to start you on the process Will the topic keep you interested ?

5. Thus far You should have identified a broad topic. Between now and the beginning of next semester we suggest that you start the research process in order to focus your study. The synopsis task helps you to be more analytical + efficient with this research.

6. Make notes So that you can trace back ideas and quotes to the original sources Highlight questions and issues that might become central to your essay Start your bibliography To narrow and define your subject area

7. Over summer and by start of next semester… Search widely for resources and choose 5 ‘well selected’ sources 3 book sources 2 e-resources (journal articles) Produce a synopsis for each of these sources (5 in total) Produce a statement of intent detailing your topic and the questions you will explore in relation to it. This will form the basis of a dissertation proposal that you will deliver shortly after your return ( see the reflection and planning document) Save the synopsis handout (see Moodle) onto your data pen/memory stick to help you

8. Action Plan: You may want to get more ambitious and time consuming research done over the summer – visiting exhibitions or interviewing artists and designers ( but don’t rely on this as a source of information). You might be able to contact practitioners through – dealers, agents, galleries, colleges, universities ( if they also teach) and, of course, web sites.

9. be brave…be creative…and above all… GET SOME WORK DONE! Good Luck