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    Overview

    A dissertation of between 16,000 and 20,000 words on an approved research topic.

    One of the most important elements of the Honours Degree and Postgraduate Diploma, the history dissertation involves writing a research thesis of between 16,000 and 20,000 words on a subject of the student's own choice, based on primary sources. These sources may be printed or published, or archival, depending on the topic chosen. The dissertation offers a comprehensive training in research skills and methods and requires you to submit a short thesis based on primary sources that meets professional standards of argument, documentation and presentation. The successful completion of one of these projects is regarded as the principal research qualification for those who may wish to proceed to MA study or beyond. Employers seeking evidence of substantial self-discipline also regard completion of these projects highly.

    About this paper

    Paper title Dissertation
    Subject History
    EFTS 0.5
    Points 60 points
    Teaching period(s) Full Year (On campus)
    1st Non standard period (15 July 2024 - 20 June 2025) (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $3,721.50
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Pre or Corequisite
    48 300-level HIST points
    Limited to
    BA(Hons), PGDipArts
    Eligibility
    Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission.
    View more information about departmental permission.
    Contact

    Professor Angela Wanhalla - angela.wanhalla@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Co-ordinator: Professor Angela Wanhalla

    Textbooks

    Course materials will be made available electronically.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Environmental literacy, Information literacy.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Specific learning objectives of the dissertation include:

    • The development of the capacity to work independently
    • The refinement of skills in accessing and evaluating information
    • The capacity to analyse material in a logical and coherent manner
    • The articulation of ideas in the form of an extended academic discourse
    • The development of habits of scholarship, in particular the ability to set high standards, to be self-critical, to critique sources and to prepare and present material of publication standard

    Timetable

    Full Year

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Wednesday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 12:00-12:50 29-30, 33, 37
    Friday 09:00-11:50 18

    1st Non standard period (15 July 2024 - 20 June 2025)

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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