Dr Andrea Pia and Dr Gisa Weszkalnys

This course is compulsory on the BA in Social Anthropology and BSc in Social Anthropology. This course is not available as an outside option nor to General Course students.

The course guides students through the process of researching and writing an extended essay on an anthropological theme of their own choosing. Topics covered include: what makes a good dissertation; conducting an effective literature search; refining research questions; contribution and evidence; adequate referencing. 

7 hours of lectures and 1 hour of seminars in the AT. 4 hours of seminars and 2 hours of workshops in the WT.

Following an introductory lecture and seminar, students will submit a Dissertation Topic form at the end of AT week 2 (using a template published on Moodle). They will then work with their academic mentor and through timetabled teaching. They will submit a Critical Literature Review form during AT week 7, a 2,500-word extract during of WT week 2, and a Dissertation Contents form during WT week 7. 

There is no formal course content. Students will be expected to draw widely on their readings from other anthropology courses.

Dissertation (100%, 9000 words) in the ST.

The essay is 9,000 words of main text, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography. The essay should be typed, double spaced, and should follow the reference procedures of The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. The essay must be handed in to the Anthropology Departmental Office by the date announced in the Department’s Handbook, normally week 2 of ST.