Module Details

Module Code: THES H4404
Module Title: Thesis
Title: Thesis
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: Carmel Maher
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to guide the learners through the process of writing an honours degree thesis from developing a thesis statement to the presentation of the final document.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Formulate a research proposal appropriate for an Honours Degree thesis in a design related subject area.
LO2 Plan and time manage independent research and present it in a thesis format.
LO3 Locate, record and evaluate a range of primary and secondary research material such as books, reports, peer reviewed journals, etc using a range of library facilities such as catalogues, online databases and the World Wide Web.
LO4 Develop a sustained and coherent argument in a design related subject area supported by critical evaluation, analysis and synthesis of a range of appropriate evidence within a defined word limit.
LO5 Apply the language, styles and conventions of academic writing to their writing. Use quotations and illustrations to support an argument and the Harvard referencing system.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Thesis Proposal Development
The learner will be guided in the preparation of a proposal appropriate for an Honours Degree design thesis. This will include identifying an appropriate framework to structure the thesis, the role of theory and primary analysis, assessing feasibility in terms of time and resources and identification of appropriate resources.
Thesis Research and Writing
Planning and time management, Use of library facilities and evaluating resources, Developing a thesis statement/position, Writing a critical essay, Academic style, Structuring the chapters and discussion, Integrating evidence, Harvard referencing, Thesis presentation, editing and redrafting, Criterion for assessment.
Thesis Supervision
Each learner will be assigned to a design lecturer with whom he/she will meet on a weekly basis for guidance on the preparation of their thesis.
Design Studio
Design Studio - a dedicated space designed to allow for studio based learning. This space is specific to a particular learning group. While used to deliver studio-based education the space is available to be used outside the time frame of the working day. It provides a safe learner driven, peer-reviewed environment, supported on a one-to-one basis. It supports the synthesis of parallel concurrent modular knowledge, skills and competency with prior learning & personal aesthetic judgement, to resolve specific design research question/s.
Computer/Plotters/Printers
Computers/Plotters/Printers – in this year each learner requires the use of a personal computer of suitable specification to run software used on the design programme. There should be access to the internet and the IT Carlow library databases, Blackboard and Turnitin.There should be access to printing and plotting facilities in order to complete final deliverables.
Software
Software on student PCs - Microsoft Office software and a recent version of EndNote referencing software.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Thesis Proposal: Topic identification, preliminary research and thesis plan. Formative feedback will be provided to each learner following the assessment procedure.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 14 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Draft Thesis: The draft thesis (5000 words) will be submitted approximately mid-way through the module. Formative feedback will be provided to each learner following the assessment procedure.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 26 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Final Thesis: Between 7000 and 9000 words.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Timing Ongoing Learning Outcomes 2,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Throughout module, learner awareness, engagement and development of Institutional and sectoral graduate attributes is captured on a Likert Scale range; including module participation, contribution, collaboration, professionalism etc..
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
Resubmission of Final Thesis

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Thesis Supervision: 0.25 hours per student per week. Class lectures will be delivered at key instructional stages in the module. Every Week 0.25 0.25
Assignment Non Contact Thesis: Independent Learning Per Semester 10.00 250
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.25
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Burbach, R. Lennon, R. Raftery, D.. (2010), Credit Where Credit is Due, IT Carlow, Carlow.
  • Inger Mewburn,Katherine Firth,Shaun Lehmann. How to Fix Your Academic Writing Trouble, [ISBN: 0335243320].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Brown, B., Buchanan, R.,DiSalvo, C., Doordan, D. and Margolin, V.. Thesis Relevant Articles, Design Issues.
  • Design Studies Forum. Thesis Relevant Articles, Design and Culture.
  • Cross, N.. Thesis Relevant Articles, Design Studies.
  • Chen, L.. Thesis Relevant Articles, International Journal of Design.
  • Atkinson, P.. Thesis Relevant Articles, The Design Journal.
Other Resources
Discussion Note: