CLMOP1-Special Option 1

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CLMOP3 Special Option 3: Study Abroad
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to advanced research in Classics by allowing them to choose one of a range of different topics taught by academic staff of the department on their own research specialisms.  It introduces them to the wide variety of different themes, methodologies, ancient material, geographical areas and time-periods encompassed within the research profile of the Reading Classics Department, and allows them to pursue their own interests within the discipline.

It is normally expected that students taking CLMOP1 will also take CLMOP2; however, subject to the agreement of the Programme Director it may be possible for a student to take a 20-credit module (or appropriate level and content) from outside the Department.

Aims:

This module introduces students to advanced research in Classics by allowing them to choose one of a range of different topics taught by academic staff of the department on their own research specialisms.  It introduces them to the wide variety of different themes, methodologies, ancient material, geographical areas and time-periods encompassed within the research profile of the Reading Classics Department, and allows them to pursue their own interests within the discipline.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to: demonstrate awareness of the primary material relevant to the topic which they have chosen to study; demonstrate in-depth knowledge of and a critical approach to the modern scholarship relevant to the topic being studied; produce written work at a postgraduate level.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to develop the student's skills of time management, oral communication and presentation, and use of IT.

Outline content:

Students will choose one topic from a list made available each year. Sample topics might include: History and Society of Ancient Thessaly, Embodying Gods, Three Greek Plays, The Future of Greek Tragedy, Plutarch, Greek Prose Composition, Plato's Republic, Vulgar Latin, The Evolution of the Museum of Antiquities, Herodotus, Hellenistic History and Culture, Multilingualism and Empire, Elite villas in Roman Italy, Greek Literature in the Near East, Grief and mourning and memory in Homer and/or Tragedy, The Song-Culture of Ancient Greece, Ancient Greek Vases, Art in Hellenistic Society, The Roman Architectural Revolution, Coptic Life-writing, Cities and the Ancient Economy.

Students may also take an ancient language (Latin or Ancient Greek) as their option within this module, subject to the agreement of the Programme Director. An ancient language option involves a higher number of contact hours and different method of assessment than those given below, and is taught over both the Autumn and Spring terms. The assessment of the ancient language will include an exercise tailored to the academic progress of the PGT student involved, devised by the Director of Taught Postgraduate Programmes in conjunction with the Languages Coordinator.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40
Wider reading (directed)		30
Preparation for tutorials		20
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Essay preparation		90
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The course is assessed through one essay of 4000 words, or equivalent where appropriate, on a subject relevant to the option chosen and agreed in discussion with the member of staff teaching the option.  The essay is to be submitted at the end of the first week of the Summer Term at midday.

Formative assessment methods:

Students may be asked to prepare formative oral presentations to deliver in class; this depends on the individual teacher of the option.

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 written work as agreed by Programme Director.

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