On the subject of how the assessment is split, we had a discussion about interim 
reports on the list in November: https://goo.gl/pvDAlh. I ran our EngLang 
dissertation module this last semester (handed it over this semester to a colleague 
as I'm on sabbatical), and we introduced an assessed interim presentation (weighing 
20% of the overall grade). This included a mini lit review but also had to include 
information about proposed methods, participants, ethical issues, etc.

I was unsure how it would go but it actually turned out really well. The median grade 
was 65 and by all accounts it was a really useful. The key was to emphasise that it 
was totally fine not to be 100% decided on their topic, in which case they needed to 
read up about their options and e.g. describe how they might either run 
semi-structured interview or an online survey, including references to appropriate 
methodological sources and prior studies in both areas. If we hadn't had that 
flexibility baked into the mark scheme, I think it wouldn't have been anywhere near 
as successful; could have forced students to pick a topic they didn't really want to 
do, and/or lead to non-submissions. This way worked nicely and I'd definitely 
recommend it to others.

What I'd also recommend, from an administrative point of view, is managing all the 
grades using Google Drive. Once all the supervisors are signed up and have access to 
the spreadsheet, they can just manage the first and second marking themselves. Zero 
admin for the module leader! Happy to share a blank copy of the spreadsheet I used 
for anyone who would like to see it.

Dave

--
Dr. Dave Sayers, ORCID no. 0000-0003-1124-7132
Senior Lecturer, Dept Humanities, Sheffield Hallam University | www.shu.ac.uk
Honorary Research Fellow, Cardiff University & WISERD | www.wiserd.ac.uk
[log in to unmask] | http://shu.academia.edu/DaveSayers



On 14/01/2017 12:39, Robert Lawson wrote:
> Hi Holly,
>
> We've just finished reviewing our curriculum, moving from a course where the
> dissertation was an optional element for students with a 2:1 average in their 2nd
> year modules. This involved a 8,000 words final submission, with a 15 minute
> presentation element at the halfway point (weighted 75/25 respectively).
>
> For our new programme, it's still optional, but the credit structure has changed (30
> to 40 credits), the word count has dropped to 6,000 (don't ask - we're having to
> follow university guidelines that apply across all schools/programmes), and the grade
> requirements have been removed. The aim will likely be that supervisors see
> chapters/sections at regular intervals, but this is not imposed and if students want
> to take the risk in submitting without oversight, they can do. I would think that a
> more structured approach, in agreement with the student, would be more effective, so
> putting together a learning plan and agreement of said plan is what I'm planning to
> do. We also have other module options for students who don't want to do a
> dissertation, like our undergraduate conference module, so we're hopeful that all
> levels (and styles) of learning will be accommodated.
>
> Best,
>
> Rob
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Teaching Linguistics [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Holly Vass
> [[log in to unmask]]
> *Sent:* 14 January 2017 12:15
> *To:* [log in to unmask]
> *Subject:* Undergraduate dissertations
>
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> We are revamping our BA English Language  course for a course review and a question
> has come up about final year dissertations. I was wondering about the requirements at
> other universities and would appreciate any feedback.  Specifically, at your
> universities is the final year dissertation optional or mandatory (for an honours
> degree)?  How many words are required?  Do students submit it all at once at the end
> of the year, or in ‘installments’? At our uni, students submit a literature review in
> December and the final dissertation in May.
>
>
>
> Thanks to all for any information you can give me!
>
>
>
> Holly
>
>
>

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