Learn Digital Humanities :: Project and Dissertation (AFF614)

Project and Dissertation

MA in Digital Humanities Sample Coursework Image

Module Information

Module Code:	AFF614
Module Credits:	30 ECTS Credits
Compulsory:	Yes
Teaching Method:	Independant with Supervisory Guidance

Module Prerequisites

AFF601, AFF602, AFF603 along with either Digitisation Stream modules (AFF604, AFF606 and AFF608) or Preservation Stream modules (AFF605, AFF607 and AFF609)

Objectives

To provide the learner with the opportunity to explore a substantial Humanities Computing (HC) or Digital Humanities (DH) problem in depth, within a supportive environment. This module will provide the learner with the experience of conducting research so that they may acquire the skills that it necessitates. These skills will specifically include writing and communication skills.

Module Content

Students will choose a Research Topic that will entail the production of original research in either HC or DH; this will take the form of a Project and a Dissertation. The identification and evaluation of the Research Topic will form part of AFF601's Practical component. Students can choose one of three different types of topic:

production of a Digital Humanities Research Tool
study of an aspect of Humanities Computing or Digital Humanities Research
Humanities Computing research conducted with the aid of Digital Humanities Tools.

Work on the project and dissertation will proceed in parallel so that the reviews and reflection undertaken during the writing of the dissertation can inform the project implementation as it progresses. The students will be expected to work under the supervision of a member of An Foras Feasa, in certain circumstances co-supervision may be agreed. A phased delivery of the project and dissertation will help to ensure completion of the module.

Project

Planning Phase: includes analysis of the task, current and required skills analysis, project design, project plan including timeline, software engineering documentation (if applicable), identification of appropriate methodologies.

Implementation and Review phase: iterative process that involves implementing the main body of work of research topic, reviewing (aided by writing the dissertation), and then revisiting the work.

Dissertation

Once the topic for the research has been chosen, the Student should conduct a review of existing work within the area. The rationale behind the choice of topic, and the review, should be written up within the dissertation. In addition, the dissertation should provide all of the documentation gathered and prepared during the project (as outlined above). An analysis of the various decisions taken before and during implementation, and the rationale lying behind them, should be provided. The dissertation should include:

reflection upon the process undertaken during the project
reflection upon the product of the project
identification of shortcomings within the project along with proposed solutions
a roadmap of where the project should proceed to in the future

The dissertation should be written in conjunction with the project so that the reviews and reflection undertaken during the write-up can inform the project implementation as it progresses.

Management

The students will be expected to work under the supervision of a member of An Foras Feasa. A phased delivery of the project and dissertation will help to ensure completion of the module. There will be four landmarks, the last of which will be delivery of the full dissertation and project. There will be two face-to-face meeting days, one in each semester to facilitate the initiation and progress of the project.

The first will include development of the Research Topic (already identified and evaluated as part of AFF601's Practical component), project plan (including timeline) and skills analysis. It will be formative.

The second will include identification of existing work within the area and a review of same. This will also be formative.

The third will include a description of the implementation of the research (e.g. empirical data gathering, application of theory to various data sets), a review of progress in this, and future plans for completion. This will be formative.

The fourth will be the delivery of the full project and dissertation. This will be summative.

Assessment

Project and Dissertation will be jointly allocated 100% of the available marks