Comment rédiger une bonne dissertation ? (texte en anglais)

Some Tips on Writing a Postgraduate Dissertation

A dissertation should address a well-defined research question, specified at the outset. It should present a logically developed argument, the claims of which are supported by evidence where necessary.

Dissertations typically follow one of four methods:

• a case study is used to assess, explore, validate or critically examine an argument, theory or theoretical perspective advanced in the literature;

• a comparative study is undertaken where a process, development or institution is examined in two or more settings; or

• quantitative data is used to test existing arguments or to form a new hypothesis;

• a critical analysis of a theoretical argument or perspective is advanced that engages closely with primary texts.

A dissertation must have an element of your own research. This can be demonstrated by exploring previously neglected primary sources, undertaking an original theoretical analysis or interpretation of existing literature, or using primary material to develop your own critique of existing scholarly arguments. It is not enough simply to review the books and articles which you have collected on the topic.

The dissertation should demonstrate not only that you can collect evidence and consider a particular problem or topic in detail, but also that you understand how the topic relates to the work others have done in the same field. The review of the literature should show how the works of different authors on the topic relate to one another and where your own work is intended to fit in, and the analysis should show an awareness of what others who have addressed related questions have already said (or are saying) and of the implications of their various views and positions for your own work.

Choosing a topic

Start thinking about possible topics as early as possible. Look at relevant debates in the literature to see how problems are framed and what arguments are made. Choose something that interests you, since enthusiasm is an important motivating factor in writing a good dissertation. Remember, though, that the project must be intellectually feasible, practicable in terms of gaining access to the necessary sources and manageable in the time available. The subject may be related to your work, but note that the dissertation has specific academic aims and requirements which differ from the aims and requirements of reports and studies you may be asked to prepare in the course of your work.

Note the requirements outlined above to determine whether a topic will be suitable for a dissertation. Consider in particular whether:

- there is a relevant academic literature which can be discussed in the literature review and built on in developing the research;

- the topic allows for an original contribution, for example by using primary sources;

- the research question is genuinely researchable; in other words, whether it can be answered through systematic academic enquiry, as opposed to mere assertion or speculation.

Relevance to the degree programme

The dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements the MSc/MRes degree programme on which you are enrolled. It should therefore relate to the syllabus of one or more components of the degree, and be linked to a recognised body of literature in whichever field the degree is taken. Students undertaking an MRes must be able to demonstrate that they have applied concepts or used methods taught on the modules in social research methods.

Structure

Although structure varies according to the topic and methodology chosen, a dissertation typically consists of several parts, which should be formally indicated by section breaks or chapters. A possible structure is as follows:

• The introduction states the objectives of the dissertation, outlines the research question, and identifies how it is intended to meet the objectives and answer the question. In other words, the research methodology employed is described and its appropriateness to the topic explained.

• The topic is placed in its academic context by reviewing the relevant scholarly literature and relating the research question to academic debates.

• Primary and secondary source material is presented, with an appropriate account of how primary material was gathered (e.g. how an interview schedule was developed) and how sources might be interpreted in the light of their authorship.

• An argument or interpretation is advanced in the light of the evidence.

• The conclusion presents a summary of the findings of the dissertation, relates these to the argument outlined in the introductory chapter and states precisely what has been demonstrated.

Each of the main sections or chapters (i.e. not including the introduction and conclusion) should begin with a paragraph outlining its aims and content, and conclude with a brief summary.

Presentation: Some do’s and don’ts

The same rules of clear and simple expression should be followed in writing a dissertation as would be in writing an essay. Discussion should be broken up into sections and sub-sections, but excessive fragmentation should be avoided. Breaking up the text into too many very short sub-sections prevents coherent presentation and can encourage a superficial treatment of a wide range of material rather than a detailed and well-substantiated account of a tightly defined area. Organise the discussion into paragraphs and avoid bullet points.

Present data with graphic illustrations (graphs, tables, charts, diagrams, flowcharts or organigrams) where appropriate. Make sure that the text explains and discusses the data. Do not consign important information to appendices; whereever possible, integrate it into the text. All graphics must be clearly presented, be a reasonable size, have relevant headings and acknowledge sources.

Remember that writing takes a long time, far longer than you may anticipate, so plan carefully and leave plenty of time for re-drafting and a final proof-reading before the submission deadline.

Sources and references

Research for the dissertation may involve use of a variety of primary and secondary sources. Where relevant, students are encouraged to make

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