CL3DN-Dissertation in Classics

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: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This dissertation should allow for in-depth research, explication, and documentation of a topic. Its result should be a piece of original research or, possibly, an original artistic production.

Aims:

This dissertation should allow for in-depth research, explication, and documentation of a topic. Its result should be a piece of original research or, possibly, an original artistic production.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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


• be able to write reflective pieces about the dissertation and their use of the supervisor’s feedback.

Additional outcomes:

Students will additionally learn to use web-based resources relevant to their research and acquire IT skills.

Outline content:

Students write one dissertation of no more than 10,000 words.  One draft chapter will be submitted at the end of the autumn term.   A reflective essay will be submitted alongside the final dissertation.  A workshop will be provided to guide students on the requirements of the reflective essay.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The dissertation begins in the Spring and Summer terms of Part 2 when Dissertation Workshops are held. These workshops introduce Part 2 students to the principles of the dissertation exercise. In the Summer term of Part 2, students are enrolled in the co-requisite module CL3DP and asked to propose a dissertation topic to the Classics Department. Following approval of their proposed topic, students meet their allocated supervisor at the end of the Summer term of Part 2 in order to prepare for initial research over the summer vacation. An oral presentation is given as part of CL3DP in week 3 of Autumn term of Part 3.  Over the Autumn and Spring terms, in Part 3, students meet regularly with their supervisor and are encouraged to submit bibliographies, outlines and rough drafts for comment. At the end of Autumn term of Part 3 students submit a draft chapter (of 1500-3000 words), worth 10% of the module mark. The dissertation is submitted at the beginning of the Summer term of Part 3, together with a short reflective exercise.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	5	5
Practicals classes and workshops	4
Guided independent study:	141	145
Total hours by term	150	150	0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	15
Dissertation	85

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. A dissertation of no more than 10,000 words, including footnotes but excluding bibliographies, to be submitted by 12 noon on the first day of the Summer term in Part 3. (85%)


2. A draft chapter of 1500-3000 words, accompanied by a statement of no more than 200 words explaining how the chapter fits into the overall structure of the dissertation and what the next steps for dissertation research will be, to be submitted by 12 noon on the last day of Autumn term. (10%)


3. A reflective essay of c. 500 words explaining how the supervisor’s feedback has been used to improve the final dissertation. (5%)

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will be given on draft plans and bibliographies throughout the process of writing the dissertation.

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: 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:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Dissertation to be resubmitted in August.

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: 30 March 2023