Research Skills in Classics, Ancient History and Theology (CTHM006)

This module description relates to the academic year 2011/2.

Lecturer(s)
Credit Value15.00
ECTS Value7.50
Pre-requisitesNone
Co-requisitesNone
Duration of ModuleOne term (12 weeks)
Total Student Study Time150 hours (including 10 2-hour workshops)

Aims

To provide students with the higher skills level needed to prepare for an extended piece of independent research and writing in Classics, Ancient History and Theology, by learning how to write a formal research proposal (either for an MA or PhD dissertation), and how to prepare and present a conference-paper (ca. 15 minutes) relating to the MA dissertation project.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Module-specific skills:

1. demonstrate advanced ability to formulate and write a cogent research proposal (for either an MA or PhD dissertation), including the ability to articulate the objectives, aims and scholarly context of a research project, to construct a viable work schedule and to formulate a structure for the proposed dissertation.
2. demonstrate advanced ability to compose and present a conference-paper (ca. 15 minutes) relating to the MA dissertation project, including use of auxiliary audio-visual material, and the ability to address questions relating to the paper.

Discipline-specific skills:

3. develop advanced skills in project-planning and writing of a research proposal;
4. demonstrate advanced research-presentation skills.

Personal and key skills:

5. demonstrate advanced ability to plan an extended independent research project
6. demonstrate confidence and clarity in presenting an argument in a
conference-presentation, and addressing questions from an
audience consisting of peer group and academic staff.
7. demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly in oral and in
written form.

Learning/Teaching Methods

This module is taught in conjunction with the core module. At designated sessions during the year, guidance will be given by the MA co-ordinator on how to write a formal research proposal, and how to prepare and present a conference paper.

Assignments

Assignment
1) Students complete 1 x 2000 word research proposal, to be submitted to the leader of the core module on a nominated date in the first semester. (ILOs 1, 3, 5, 7) The proposal counts for 50% of overall assessment.

2) Students prepare and present a paper (ca. 15 minutes) at the MA conference which will take place in the second semester. (ILOs 2, 4, 6-7) The paper counts for 50% of overall assessment.

Assessment

Assignment
1) Students complete 1 x 2000 word research proposal, to be submitted to the leader of the core module on a nominated date in the first semester. (ILOs 1, 3, 5, 7) The proposal counts for 50% of overall assessment.

2) Students prepare and present a paper (ca. 15 minutes) at the MA conference which will take place in the second semester. (ILOs 2, 4, 6-7) The paper counts for 50% of overall assessment.

Syllabus Plan

Submit research proposal to leader of core module by nominated date during the first semester.
2. Prepare and present paper at MA conference in second semester.

Indicative Basic Reading List

R. Burns Introduction to Research Methods. London, 2000.
K.E. Rudestam, et al.. Surviving your Dissertation, Thousand Oaks, Calif., 2001
S. Hornblower and A. Spawforth, eds., Oxford Classical Dictionary 3rd ed., Oxford, 1996.
Paulys Real-encyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft. Neue Bearbeitung.unter Mitwirkung zahlreicher Fachgenossen hrsg. von G. Wissowa. Stuttgart, 1894-1972.