Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The aim of this unit is for students to develop the ability to design, research and write a dissertation of 15,000 words (or equivalent) on a topic of their own devising. Students work under the supervision of an academic staff member, who guides and advises them in their formulation of an appropriate research topic and in the execution of the research, and who provides constructive feedback on the draft sections of the dissertation, and on the documentation and bibliography.

Credit
12 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Honours core unit in Anthropology; Archaeology; Asian Studies; Communication and Media Studies; Linguistics; Political Science and International Relations [Bachelor of Arts (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate advanced knowledge and theoretical understanding in a specific area of one of the Social Science disciplines; (2) identify and critically assess a range of published interpretations of key issues in a topic area and provide original insights through the critical analysis, consolidation and synthesis of these documents; and (3) design an original research project with a coherent and consistent epistemology and methodology for the analysis of secondary and/or primary sources.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a dissertation and (2) presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the presentation component.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Benjamin Smith
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
SOCS4140 Honours Dissertation 1
Note
Dissertation Units:


Honours students will complete their dissertation over two consecutive semesters, by enrolling in the units SOCS4140 Honours Dissertation 1 in Semester One and SOCS4141 Honours Dissertation 2 in Semester Two.


Enrolment in SOCS4140 Honours Dissertation 1 is generally only available in Semester One, and enrolment in SOCS4141 Honours Dissertation 2 is generally only available in Semester Two. Students (including part time students) needing to enrol in dissertation units in other semesters should consult with the Social Sciences Honours Coordinator regarding their study plan. If permission is granted, students should submit a Special Approval application to their Student Advising Office in order to be enrolled in the units.

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.