1. PPR.399 Dissertation(Optional): Introduction
Amalendu MISRA, Astrid NORDIN
PPR, Lancaster University

2. Outline Course aims Why the dissertation is important Choosing a topic
Supervision
Working on the dissertation

3. Aims Explore a topic in depth
Use skills and knowledge gained from other modules
Experience of independent work with the advice of a mentor

4. Why important? 1. Develops important skills
ability to analyse in-depth and work independently
skills in making arguments, presenting evidence and communicating complex ideas
transfer these skills to work and postgraduate studies
2. You can choose the topic!
Can focus on something that interests you (but needs also to be manageable)
Enables you to work with an experienced member of staff

5. Choosing a topic Find an area Proposed a focused topic
Proposed supervisor
Best is to match your interest with the supervisor’s

6. Example of topics Area More focused topic Research question
Politics: British politics
Conservative under Cameron
Does Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ relaunch old errors?
Philosophy: Nietzsche
Nietzsche’s view of the Eternal Recurrence
Is Nietzsche successful in explaining the meaning and role of his idea of Eternal Recurrence ?
Religious Studies: Islam
Islam and women
Are women equal to men in Islam?

7. Two things to keep in mind
It is usually sensible to choose a topic related to something you are doing or have done
It will also be good if you can match the interests of possible supervisors

8. Just a long essay?
The dissertation is something more than just a ‘long essay’
1. Choose a fairly focused topic and show that you can analyse issues in detail
2. For some dissertations, sources might go beyond academic books, articles and web search (some field work – Dr. H. Kawanami)
3. Present ideas as linked chapters
(help available from student learning support from the faculty –

9. Supervision Supervisors will provide 3 hours of supervision.
That allows for six 30-minute meetings.
Your supervisor will:
i. help you to focus your topic and work out a more precise title;
ii. give you advice on your plan of research and on appropriate reading
iii. comment on an outline plan for the dissertation of words (max)
iv. be available from time to time (by appointment) for consultation and advice.
But your supervisor will not read or comment on the completed draft of the dissertation prior to submission

10. Working on the dissertation
First meeting with supervisor no later than the end of the Summer term
Aim to get your topic finally agreed during the Summer term
Work on your dissertation during the Summer vacation, if possible, and during next Michaelmas and Lent terms.
Dissertation must be submitted by 24th April 2018 (end of Lent term).

11. What to do next...
Week 16: Using library resources Week 17: Mechanics of Writing a Dissertation
Start thinking about a topic
Start thinking about a possible supervisor (check the pamphlet)
Return forms to Helen Caton.