ARMPIR-Preparing for Research

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: ARMDISSI Dissertation and ARMRPP Research Project
Modules excluded: ARMIDB20 Issues and Debates in Bioarchaeology (Advanced)
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Wendy Matthews
Email: w.matthews@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Prof Mary Lewis
Email: m.e.lewis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module comprises a series of Dissertation workshops, a Masters Conference and information on statistical approaches and presentation of your research.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to develop advanced high-level skills in critical evaluation and understanding in designing and planning a major independent research project. It will also provide you with experience in presenting your research, and information on statistical analysis and pursuing a PhD.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Assess the nature and scope of recent dissertation research problems, methodologies and data, and gain understanding of originality in the application of knowledge and techniques of research and enquiry


• Evaluate critically the depth of knowledge, structure, argument, and writing style in dissertations on a range of environmental archaeological topics


• Develop oral communication skills in structured group discussions, as well as in a formal presentation at the Masters Conference


• Develop an understanding of the correct statistical approaches necessary to analyse your data

Additional outcomes:

Students are also expected to:

• Develop personal responsibility for the design, planning and implementation of research, including effective reading and use of bibliography management programmes, research and data management, and use of initiative; all necessary for further research and employment.


• Appraise the ethics and environment of academic research

Outline content:

This module will introduce the students to strategies and skills required for successfully completing a Masters-level dissertation. The workshop sessions will take students step-by-step through how to choose a research topic, and write a research proposal. Structured group critique and discussion of past dissertations are also undertaken, and students are introduced to statistical approaches to aid their data analysis. Students will write a dissertation research proposal during this module, which will be assessed (60%). Creating and structuring independent research, conference presentations, applying for a PhD and writing papers for publication will also be reviewed and key skills highlighted. Students will make an oral presentation on their Dissertation research at the Department Masters Conference (40%). Part-time students will attend the Workshops and develop their Proposals in their first year.

Global context:

Students may choose to base their research drawing on archaeological data from any area of the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The subject-specific module will be mainly taught by members of the Departmental staff, and emphasises the importance of acquiring high quality research skills and applying these to archaeological questions, as well as other areas of professional employment. Dissertation critiques will be run by different members of staff, drawing on experience of a range of research areas and approaches. Each student receives individual supervision on dissertation research design, implementation and writing, from one or two members of staff with relevant expertise.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		14
Seminars		9
Project Supervision		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		25
Wider reading (directed)		9
Peer assisted learning			8
Preparation for presentations			10
Group study tasks		5
Essay preparation		10
Total hours by term	0	82	18
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

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

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Research proposal (in Spring Term, Week 6)

Presentation at Masters conference (in Summer Term, Week 1)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework.

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: 22 September 2022