CLMDS-Dissertation

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 80 [40 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Andreas Gavrielatos
Email: a.gavrielatos@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to enable students to develop research skills, critical responses, independent judgement and the capacity to organise a major project.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students to develop research skills, critical responses, independent judgement and the capacity to organise a major project.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to produce a well-conceived, clearly written, coherently argued and well-presented dissertation that demonstrates their ability to utilise and apply advanced research and analytical skills.

Additional outcomes:

In addition to the above, students will be able to:

• Formulate questions and recognise relevant problems and complexities


• Apply different approaches and develop research techniques appropriate to the solution of those problems


• Analyse arguments in terms of their logic, claims and assumptions


• Examine critically their own arguments and assumptions


• Show self-reliance and management skills in the independent organisation of their work


• Deploy oral communication skills in structured group discussion and formal presentations.

Outline content:

Students research a topic of their choice, advised by one member of the academic staff. They present initial findings through an oral presentation (in Summer Term), and eventually write a 20,000 word dissertation. Methods and approaches vary according to the specific focus area.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught by relevant staff from the Classics Department. Individual supervision and discussion with an expert member of staff will supplement the student's own individual learning through the Summer Term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars			4
Project Supervision	3	3	10
Guided independent study:	100	240	440
Total hours by term	103	243	454
Total hours for module	800

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

20,000 word dissertation, to be submitted by midday on the date advised in the Programme Handbook

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:

Re-submission of coursework within 12 months of the original date specified in the Syllabus, or by such earlier date as is decided by the Programme Director and approved by the Board of Studies.

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