Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

Students will be allocated a supervisor with whom they will be expected to meet and communicate on a regular basis. Under supervision, students will be required to write a dissertation on an approved topic of between 15,000-18,000 words during the course of their enrolment in part I and part II of the dissertation. As part of their dissertation work, students will also be expected to attend a general seminar which prepares students to undertake research.

Objectives

It is expected that students undertaking this unit will be able to:

1. Undertake independent research under the guidance of an academic supervisor
2. Identify and develop key research questions
3. Pursue a program of research leading to the presentation of a dissertation
4. Demonstrate an ability to develop a sustained, coherent and logical argument within the dissertation
5. Critically analyse the evidence used to support an argument or line of thinking
6. Demonstrate a command of the literature relevant to the particular area of International Studies under investigation and an understanding of how the research interacts with that literature
7. Critically discuss and evaluate both primary and secondary sources that are relevant to the particular question under investigation
8. Review and apply to their research relevant theoretical and conceptual questions that underpin the particular question investigation
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the methodological issues surrounding approaches to the particular area of International Studies under investigation

Assessment

Students assessed after completion of Part II

Chief examiner(s)

Seamus O'Hanlon

Contact hours

Regular supervisory meetings and participation in a general seminar