ARMDISSI-Dissertation

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module comprises a sustained period of independent supervised research in the writing of a Masters Level Dissertation.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to develop advanced student high-level skills in critical evaluation and understanding of current research problems, and method and theory, and in designing, planning and implementing a major independent research project, through writing a dissertation of 20,000 words.

Assessable learning outcomes:

The Dissertation (proposal, research and writing) will enable students to:

• identify and appraise critically current research problems in environmental archaeology


• demonstrate originality and practical ability in research design and implementation


• organise independently data collection, analysis and interpretation


• structure written arguments and articulate complex issues clearly

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


• make decisions during unforeseen and complex situations as the research progresses and develop self-reliance and -direction in addressing and solving problems


• If incorporating a research article, learn to follow specific journal guidelines and synthesis research

Outline content:

Dissertation research areas are wide-ranging, and include critical evaluation of primary and/or published sources, and their relation to current problems at the forefront of archaeological method and theory. Research methods and approaches may include original archaeological fieldwork, in-depth analysis of primary data, and/or application of innovative approaches and theories. The research subject areas and approaches may relate to the Masters Option modules, or to other areas which can be supervised by Department staff, who have a wide range of expertise

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:

This subject-specific module will be mainly taught by members of 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. Each student receives individual supervision on dissertation research design, implementation and writing, from one or two members of staff with relevant expertise. There will be a set number of compulsory meetings and writing deadlines to guide you through the process.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision		10	30
Guided independent study:		60	500
Total hours by term	0	70	530
Total hours for module	600

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will submit a 20,000-word written dissertation by the deadline set at the start of the course.

Formative assessment methods:

Written and oral feedback on the dissertation proposal and oral presentation during the Spring term, and detailed feedback on the dissertation report following the examiners meeting in the following Autumn.

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% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

A failed dissertation may be resubmitted in the following academic year, but it cannot carry forward more than a pass mark.

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: 30 March 2023