HS2IHE-Independent Historical Essay

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (Double presentation)
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Elizabeth Matthew
Email: e.a.e.matthew@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide students with an opportunity to develop an independent interest in a theme or topic in history and produce an extended piece of prose at Part Two. It is intended for those who need an additional 10 credits because of non-standard circumstances.

Aims:

This module will provide students with an opportunity to develop an independent interest in a theme or topic in history and produce an extended piece of prose at Part Two. It is intended for those who need an additional 10 credits because of non-standard circumstances.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to: conceive and plan an essay and bring it to fruition by independent work; identify and explain the main issues and events studied; locate and assemble information on the subject by independent research; organise material and articulate arguments effectively; present material according to scholarly conventions.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to develop students' initiative and self-direction, by allowing them to choose a topic, develop a question, and plan an answer, with only a minimal level of supervision.

Outline content:

Students will conceive, plan, and write an extended essay. The essay title will be decided in consultation with a supervisor and be a development of an interest, theme or topic in an area already studied by the student. If this module is taken in the Autumn term the student will normally be expected to develop an interest, theme or topic studied at Part One (but not one studied for the project essay on Research Skills and Opportunities in History). If the module is taken in the Spring, the theme or topic developed will normally be taken from either the student's Part One study (excluding Research Skills and Opportunities in History) or from an Autumn Part Two Option.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This is identified as a truly independent activity. Students will submit a proposal to the module convenor and be allocated to a supervisor. The student will be expected to meet with the supervisor fortnightly over the term, but the onus is on the student to work independently.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials		5
Guided independent study:		95
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One extended essay of 3.000 words, plus bibliography and footnoting, to be submitted both electronically via Blackboard on Friday of week 10 of the relevant term, by 12 noon at the latest.

Formative assessment methods:

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:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the last Friday of 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