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.
| Paper title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Paper code | HIST490 |
| Subject | History |
| EFTS | 0.5000 |
| Points | 60 points 60 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (8 July 2019 - 17 June 2020) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,359.50 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $13,317.00 |
- 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
- history.arthistory@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of History, Art History & Visual Culture's website
- Teaching staff
Professor Takashi Shogimen and Associate Professor Mark Seymour
- Textbooks
- Recommended:
William Strunk Jr and E.B. White, The Elements of Style, 4th edition (Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2000).
William Zinsser, On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Non-fiction, 5th edition (New York: Harper Perennial, 1994.)
In addition, 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
