AWESOME Supporting Philosophy, Theology, Religious Studies, History of Science and Philosophy of Science

Overview 2

A dissertation is an extended piece of writing in which the writer identifies an issue and argues a case. So although you will need to summarise and engage with the existing literature on your chosen topic, note that a mere literature survey does not amount to a dissertation. You should think of your dissertation as your own contribution to the subject.

Dissertations can vary in prescribed length from something in the region of 6-10,000 word (though these might rather be called ‘extended essays’) right up to a PhD dissertation, which will normally be expected to be at least 60,000 words and some of which may be over 80,000 words.

Overview 3

It is often helpful to think of a dissertation as an extended argument, one which comprises several sub-arguments. Perhaps the clearest way to summarize an argument is by putting it in premise-conclusion format, where the premises (supposedly) make plausible the conclusion.Presenting clearly a dialectic is one of the primary points of a dissertation because it demonstrates mastery of a philosophical literature and allows the writer to position her view in relation to this literature, thereby making plain the scope and originality of her contribution to philosophical discussion. Consequently, there is no greater virtue in a philosophy dissertation than clarity.

Overview 1

A dissertation is usually substantially longer than any undergraduate essay. However, the very same skills that you use when writing an undergraduate essay are also on display in a dissertation. If you are able to write good essays, you should be able to write a good thesis.

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== Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help on giving me some tips, I am writing my dissertation on literature and philsophy I am concentrating on a particualr novel and a particular branch of philosophy but I was wondering if anyone had any hints on how to marry the two.

Thanks ==

I keep finding more and more things to read, and I never feel able to start writing. What should I do?

STOP READING AND START WRITING. You have probably already read too much. You simply can't read everything that's relevant, so stop trying to do so. Find a manageable way to focus your essay and start writing.

Should I be worried about word-count?

Undoubtedly your department will have set an upper and lower word-count for your dissertation. This has not come about by chance. Limits are in place to see if you can provide a clear and succinct dissertation argument within certain parameters. The dissertation, however involved, is only one component of your degree, and the word count limits will reflect the number of credits it is worth. It is best to look on the word count as a positive thing: it will help to refine and hone your argument. Having said this one should not be too fastidious. Quite often examiners do not mind a slightly higher or lower word-count. If you felt that you needed to extend your piece somewhat this may be possible in consultation with your supervisor. Conversely, try not to worry about whether you’ll be able to fill the word count: the more you read, the more you will have to say about your subject.

What if I have a really original idea then find out afterwards that someone has already written on it?

Every student worries about this. Crucially, do not assume that you had a good idea and no one else has thought of it. Philosophy has a varied and rich history that spans thousands of years. It is seldom that a Plato, Hegel or Heidegger comes along. If you feel you have an original idea prior to your investigation then this demands that you do your research and reading. After all, this is the only way you can find out if your idea is wholly original. If you think of originality as derived from the process of research rather than the other way round, you can view your research as a process of discovery. Rather than believing you need to conceive of a wholly original idea before beginning your dissertation, take the approach that ideas will evolve organically from reading and research.

What is a dissertation and what makes it different to an essay?

A dissertation is an extended study in a particular area. It involves a topic of your own choosing, developed by your own independent research. It differs from an essay because it is self-devised. It offers you the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your capacity as an autonomous researcher. The dissertation will give you the most possible independence of learning as an undergraduate