HY458     
LSE-Columbia University Double Degree Dissertation

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Roham Alvandi SAR M.12

Dr Victoria Phillips

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in International and World History (LSE & Columbia). This course is not available as an outside option.

Pre-requisites

During their first year at Columbia University, students will identify a topic for the dissertation and will submit a detailed dissertation proposal form to their LSE supervisor. They will also have undertaken substantial research over the course of the summer, have written a Dissertation Research Report before arriving at LSE and be in a position to talk in a detailed manner with regards to their dissertation. These and the completion of other formal requirements for year one of the Double Degree will be needed before students can proceed to the second year of the programme at LSE.

Course content

The individual dissertation will be supervised and assessed at LSE in accordance with the Department's MSc regulations. It will be in the form of a thesis of no more than 15,000 words. The dissertation workshop will complement this by offering sessions on methodological topics, and 7 sessions in which the students will each present updates on their research over the summer (MT) and a 3,000 word extract from their dissertations for group discussion, evaluation and analysis (LT).

Teaching

10 hours of seminars in the MT. 10 hours of seminars in the LT. Seminars will take place on campus or via Zoom, as circumstances dictate.

Formative coursework

Students will be requested to submit a Dissertation Research Report for discussion in the MT. Students are also required to circulate a 3000-word extract of their dissertation for discussion in the LT.

Indicative reading

A reading list will be provided at the start of the course but will include the following introductory surveys: Berger, Feldner and Passmore, Writing History; D Cannadine (Ed), What is History now?; L Jordanova, History in Practice; R Evans, In Defence of History; J Tosh, The Pursuit of the Past; M Bloch, The Historian's Craft; R G Collingwood, The Idea of History.

Assessment

Dissertation (100%, 15000 words) in the ST.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: International History

Total students 2019/20: 26

Average class size 2019/20: 26

Controlled access 2019/20: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information