EH491      Half Unit
Dissertation in the Poltical Economy of Late Development

This information is for the 2015/16 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Tirthankar Roy SAR 616

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Political Economy of Late Development. This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

The dissertation must present the results of an enquiry into a carefully defined problem in the field, whether by a critical survey of existing literature, or by the use of primary evidence. It must demonstrate adequate knowledge of relevant theoretical and empirical literature in Economic History and Development Studies, and an ability to handle problems of evidence and explanation.

Supervision: EH414 Theories, Paths and Patterns of Late Development gives essential training for the dissertation. Starting in the first term, students will receive advice on the choice of topic and how to tackle it, both in the form of a document from the Economic History Department and individual advice from their respective supervisors. There will be meetings during the course of the year. The student must submit a draft by the last Monday of that term. The draft will form the basis of a paper which the student must present to a dissertation workshop held later that week. Verbal feedback will be provided by teachers and fellow students. The student will also receive detailed written comments on this draft.

Teaching

6 hours of lectures in the MT. 2 hours of lectures in the LT.

Assessment

Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) post-summer term.

The dissertation should not exceed 10,000 words, excluding tables, references, and bibliography. The title must be approved in advance by the student's supervisor. The dissertation will not be returned to the student, who should therefore make a copy before submission.

Teachers' comment

Survey questions on feedback to students may be non-informative because assessed work comes later in the term than the survey.

Key facts

Department: Economic History

Total students 2014/15: 27

Average class size 2014/15: Unavailable

Controlled access 2014/15: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills