HSMOP2-Option Two

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: m.oliva@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module allows students to focus on a specific historical case study. The choices available for study may vary from year to year.

Aims:
This module allows students to focus on a specific historical case study. The choices available for study may vary from year to year.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to:

• Apply relevant general concepts and approaches as appropriate to the chosen topic
• Critically assess the nature of historical debate and discourse as appropriate to the chosen topic
• Document and assess the processes of causation, change and continuity as appropriate to the chosen topic
• Apply relevant skills and capacities

Additional outcomes:
The module will develop oral communication skills through participation in seminars as well as graphical communication skills, depending upon the choice of topic.

Outline content:
The choice of topics available for study will vary from year to year depending on staff availability. The list of modules for the students to choose from is included in the MA in History handbook. Provided the approval of the MA Director, attendance to the seminar series can be replaced by independent study on a topic of choice. The student will be assigned to a supervisor and will work independently on one 6,000 word essay. The topic of the essays for this module must not overlap with the d issertation.
It is also possible to replace either Option One or Option Two by a further element, such as foreign language work or palaeography, according to the specific needs arising from the research project.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Most of the topics are taught through seminars, which may involve student preparation, discussions and the presentation of written pieces on a weekly basis. Depending upon the choice of topic, the seminars may centre upon the presentation and discussion of various kinds of historical source material, including written texts and paintings. Teaching is through tutorials, normally on a weekly basis. Site visits and practicals will also be arranged as necessary.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The module will normally be assessed by one essay of 4,000 words (excluding bibliography and footnotes/endnotes) to be submitted by Monday of Week 1 of the Summer Term (full time students) or by Monday of Week 5 of the Summer Term (part time and modular students). There is a 5% leeway on the word count before a penalty is applied.

Where an additional element, such as foreign language work or palaeography has been substituted for Option Two, this will be examined by a test of similar weight. If the Option is replaced with an independent research project, the student will produce a 6,000 word essay (excluding endnotes/footnotes and bibliography).

Formative assessment methods:
Seminar presentations maybe required as appropriate.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of one essay of 4,000 words by 1st September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020