Dissertation Writing in Social Sciences and Humanities

Department of English Lingiustics and Literature

Prof. Dr. Maya Khelmani David 

Honorary Professor Asia-Europe Institute University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Professor Maya Khemlani David is a former member of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya, and Adjunct Professor (2017-2020) of the Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow. She is currently Honorary Professor, Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya. She is also an Associate member of the International Institute of Public Policy and Management (IMPUMA) University of Malaya and Associate Section Editor for Journal of English and Applied Linguistics.

She is an honorary fellow of Chartered Institute of Linguists (UK) and is an exco member of an international NGO -Foundation of Endangered Languages (FEL) and an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, UK. She received the Linguapax Award for her work on language maintenance and shift.

Maya Khemlani David is a former member of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics (FBL), University of Malaya and was Deputy Head of Postgraduate Affairs in FBL before serving as the Head of the Section Co-Curricular, University of Malaya (SKET) from 2006 to 2013.

Her intellectual interests centre on language planning, language choices, maintenance and shift and discourse analysis. She is the author of numerous books and her publications include works in the fields of Sociolinguistics and Sociocultural issues and Applied Linguistics. Publishers of her books include Peter Lang, University of Amsterdam Press, University of Malaya Press, University Putra Press, University Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Strategic Institute of Research and Development Malaysia, and The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Sociolinguist Maya Khemlani David is the author of 202 journal articles and book chapters and is on the editorial boards of many journals including The European Journal of Applied Linguistics and TEFL and the Philippine Journal of Linguistics.

Her publications have been cited over 1526 times (Research Gate- Research items 481). Her publications include The Sindhis of Malaysia: A Sociolinguistic Account (2001, London, ASEAN) and she has co-written Writing a Research Paper (2006, Serdang: UPM).

Her co-edited and edited publications are Language Maintenance, Revival and Shift in the Sociology of Religion (2020,  Multilingual Matters), Politeness in Malaysian Family Talk (2008, Serdang: UPM), Language and Human Rights: Focus on Malaysia (2007, Serdang: UPM), Language and the Power of the Media (2006, Frankfurt, Peter Lang), Language Choices and Discourse of Malaysian Families: Case Studies of Families in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2006, Petaling Jaya, Strategic International and Research Development Centre), Teaching of English in Second and Foreign Language Settings: Focus on Malaysia (2004, Frankfurt, Peter Lang) and Developing Reading Skills (2002, Kuala Lumpur: Melta/Sasbadi). She has also guest edited International Journal of the Sociology of Language and Multilingua.

She is currently engaged in several research projects including a study on identity and ethnicity of a minority diaspora community and Politeness as manifest in the questioning discourse of western and Asian academics. She is also Master Trainer DEV1 BRECIL Building Social Research Capacities in Higher Education Institutions in Laos PDR, Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya.

This module guides students through the process of planning, researching, and writing a dissertation in the fields of social sciences and humanities. It emphasizes critical thinking, methodological awareness, and academic writing skills. Students will learn how to formulate a research question, conduct literature reviews, select appropriate research methods, and structure a coherent and well-argued dissertation. The module also supports the development of time management, referencing, and ethical research practices, preparing students to undertake independent research with academic rigor and clarity.

This module guides students through the process of planning, researching, and writing a dissertation in the fields of social sciences and humanities. It emphasizes critical thinking, methodological awareness, and academic writing skills. Students will learn how to formulate a research question, conduct literature reviews, select appropriate research methods, and structure a coherent and well-argued dissertation. The module also supports the development of time management, referencing, and ethical research practices, preparing students to undertake independent research with academic rigor and clarity.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  • Formulate clear and researchable questions within a relevant academic framework.
  • Conduct comprehensive and critical literature reviews.
  • Select and apply suitable research methodologies and approaches.
  • Structure and present arguments effectively in academic writing.
  • Demonstrate proper citation, referencing, and adherence to academic integrity.
  • Reflect on ethical considerations in research design and execution.
  • Manage an extended research project independently and efficiently.
  • BS/ MPhil / PhD
  • Researchers (Social Sciences and Humanities)
  • Research supervisors (Social Sciences and Humanities)
  • The participants will be awarded certificates upon completing 10 hours training (two hours each of the five days).
  • June 23 to June 27, 2025
  •  04:00 PM to 06:00 PM (PST)
  • Local attendees: 5000 RS
  • International attendees: $90

You can pay fee via easypaisa, jazzcash, digital banking app or in person submission in the desired bank.

Transaction slip will be required for the registration (uploading option is given in the Google form).

Account Title: Riphah International University
Account number: 0801-0104599160
IBAN: PK42MEZN0008010104599160
Bank & Branch: Mezan Bank Limited, Bank Road Saddar Rawalpindi

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Riphah International University is a private university in Pakistan, chartered by the Federal Government of Pakistan in 2002. The university was established with the aim of producing professionals with Islamic moral and ethical values.

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