MSMDI7-Dissertation

Module Provider: Grad Cen for Medieval Studs
Number of credits: 90 [45 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: Prof Rebecca Rist
Email: r.a.c.rist@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The Dissertation provides an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular aspect of medieval culture through an indepth study of primary sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own capacity for independent research.

Aims:
The Dissertation provides an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular aspect of medieval culture through an indepth study of primary sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own capacity for independent research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that a student will be able to:

• Locate, analyse and evaluate primary sources relevant to their field using appropriate critical and comparative methods


• Display a critical understanding of existing scholarly interpretations of the subject


• Reveal an ability to deal with complex issues within a broader conceptual framework


• Demonstrate initiative and self-direction in their methodology, and an appropriate level of originality in their application of knowledge


• Organize and present their material to a high standard in accordance with scholarly protocols


• Display a high level of competence in presenting personal research to other scholars

Additional outcomes:
The module will also develop the students' skills of time management and oral communication, and their skills of presentation and advocacy in discussion with their supervisor and with other students. Students will also have developed their IT skills by exploiting various electronic resources.

Outline content:
A research area is chosen by the student, with the guidance of the Module Convenor, who then appoints a suitable Supervisor. The Supervisor directs the student's research, and the student provides an initial Project Portfolio at the end of the Autumn Term and will then make a formal Oral Presentation on the research in the Summer Term. An 18,000 - 20,000 word Dissertation is submitted in September.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Introductory orientation sessions in the Autumn Term with the Supervisor will guide students in their choice of topic to be studied. Students are expected to carry out their own extended searches, and to design their research methodology and the structure of their written work in consultation with their Supervisor. A Portfolio including an outline of the reasons and purposes for undertaking the project, a written plan and working bibliography will be presented to the Supervisor and will be for mally submitted at the end of the Autumn Term. In the Summer Term the research will be the object of an Oral presentation which will be assessed following a formative practice run.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	5	8	7
Guided independent study:	290	290	300
Total hours by term	295	298	307
Total hours for module	900

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	90
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
This module will be assessed by an oral presentation (10%) and a dissertation of normally 18,000 - 20,000 words (90%) to be submitted by 15th September (or the Monday immediately following, if 15th falls at a weekend).

Formative assessment methods:
A formative, preliminary portfolio will be submitted in the Autumn Term. This portfolio will set out the area of research and the main evidence to be discussed, it should also include a preliminary bibliography.

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 Dissertation within one calendar year.

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