2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CLAS5120M Dissertation

90 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Dr Bev Back
Email: b.back@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Jan to 31 Aug View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Pre-requisites

CLAS5500M

Principles and Practices of Research in Classics

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

An important task for Classics MRes students is to develop their research skills and demonstrate them by writing a major piece of independent research. This compulsory module requires students to write a 15,000 word dissertation, enabling them to learn the techniques involved in writing and presenting a lengthy in-depth piece of academic research. The understanding of key concepts and methodologies in contemporary study related to the specific research project will be developed. In the course of engaging with their research questions, students will read, analyse and interpret appropriate material from classical texts (and other relevant source material). They will learn how to critically evaluate positions taken in, and develop and defend an independent position on the issues raised by, current scholarship related to the specific research questions. Each student will be allocated a supervisor on the basis of subject expertise. The supervisor will guide and support the student through their dissertation research.

Objectives

This module will enable students to:
- develop familiarity with the primary evidence and secondary scholarship in the field of their specific research project;
- read, analyse and interpret appropriate material from classical texts (and other relevant source material) associated with the research project;
- design (with appropriate guidance), implement and complete a major independent research project in the field of Classics
- understand and critically evaluate positions taken in, and develop and defend a personal position on the issues raised by, current scholarship related to the research project.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
- ability to identify, articulate and finalise their own research questions
- ability to design (with appropriate guidance), implement and complete a major independent research project in the field of Classics
- an understanding of key concepts and methodologies in contemporary study related to the specific research project
- ability to read, analyse and interpret appropriate material from classical texts (and other relevant source material) associated with the dissertation topic
- ability to understand and critically evaluate positions taken in, and develop and defend a personal position on the issues raised by, current scholarship related to the research project
- ability to construct reasoned and well-supported arguments
- ability to communicate effectively in a substantial piece of written work
- good time management and IT skills

Syllabus

Topics in Greek and Roman studies within the range supported by the subject area of Classics and the individual specialisms of the Classics Programme Team.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	12	1.00	12.00
Private study hours			888.00
Total Contact hours			12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			900.00

Private study

Preparation for supervision meetings.
Research and writing for 15,000-word Dissertation.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored though:
- the student's performance in supervisions, including the attainment of targets following an agreed schedule for completion of work in stages;
- the submission of draft work throughout the writing of the thesis.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	15,000 word Dissertation	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 16/09/2019

Disclaimer

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