CL3INP-Independent Third Year Project

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CL3DP Preparation for Dissertation in Classics
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Aston
Email: e.m.m.aston@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This project should allow for in-depth research, explication, and documentation of a topic which can be best presented in a format or formats different from the traditional dissertation. Admission to this module will be at the discretion of the Programme Director.

Aims:

By the end of the module, students will be expected to:

• explore and develop a topic of their own devising


• show that they have acquired the tools necessary to research their topic adequately and to document that research


• be able to present the results of their research in a range of appropriate formats

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be expected to:

• Choose, explore, and develop a topic of their own devising


• Show that they have acquired the tools necessary to research their topic adequately and to document that research


• Be able to present the results of their research both orally and in writing

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience in the use of IT and databases.

Outline content:

Over the course of autumn and spring terms students produce a portfolio of 3 components:

1. Three presentations of increasing length and sophistication:

1. Presentation of primary evidence and relevant scholarship, in the Autumn term (10%) (in the week otherwise earmarked for dissertation presentations)


2. In-depth discussion of the research topic, based on evidence and contextualise d in relevant scholarship, in the Spring term (20%)


3. Presentation of main new findings and outline of potential for future research, in the Spring term (30%) (towards the end of the term; precise timing to be determined by consultation) Depending on the student’s needs, presentations may be made to individuals or groups. At least one of the presentations should include an electronic presentation and at least one should include a poster. Presentations may also include films w ith voice-over.

2. A write-up of the project of 2K words, outlining its aims and main findings. An additional 1K words will provide critical reflection on the project overall. To be submitted on the first day of the Summer term (20%)

3. A reading log, to be submitted on the first day of the Summer term, outlining the primary and secondary reading that has been done over the year, including critical reflections on the matters covered in those p ublications. (20%) Material included in the annotated bibliography for CL3DP should not be included here.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will proceed via individual supervisions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	5	5
Practicals classes and workshops	3
Guided independent study:	142	145
Total hours by term	150	150
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Oral assessment and presentation	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Over the course of autumn and spring terms students produce a portfolio of 3 components:

1. Three presentations of increasing length and sophistication:

1. Presentation of primary evidence and relevant scholarship, in the Autumn term (10%)


2. In-depth discussion of the research topic, based on evidence and contextualised in relevant scholarship, in the Spring term (20%)


3. Presentation of main new findings and outline of potential for future research, in the Spring term (30%) Depending on the student’s needs, presentations may be made to individuals or groups. At least one of the presentations should include an electronic presentation and at least one should include a poster. Presentations may also include films with voice-over.

2. A write-up of the project of 2K words, outlining its aims and main findings. An additional 1K words will provide critical reflection on the project overall. To be submitted by 12 noon on the first day of Summer term (20%)

3. A reading log, to be submitted by 12 noon on the first day of Summer term, outlining the primary and secondary reading that has been done over the year, including critical reflections on the matters covered in those publications. (20%) Material included in the annotated bibliography for CL3DP should not be included here. The introduction of a Reading Log as an assessed element on this Independent Project module is designed to encourage and reward consistent study practices and the habit of critical reflection. You should make entries in the Reading Log on a regular basis over the winter vacation and spring term, noting the date on which each is read. You should make a full bibliographic note of each item that you read in connection with your Independent Project, including both primary and secondary material. You should also write a short annotation (100-1200 words for each item) along these lines: --Chapter, passage or other element that is most significant for your Project --Ways in which the item links to other items that you have read, particularly in terms of scholarly agreement or disagreement --Ways in which it helps you to develop your Project (it will be acceptable to note that it does not help). In particular you should note a question that it provokes you to ask of your next reading or other research. Assessment will be geared to regularity of entries and quality of annotation, in terms of substance and of critical reflection. There is no maximum number of entries, or word limit.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback will be given on drafts and plans throughout the process of completing the portfolio.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 4 August 2021