MSMSSA-Advanced Study and Source Analysis

Module Provider: Grad Cen for Medieval Studs
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MSMLP Medieval Latin and Palaeography
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Rebecca Rist
Email: r.a.c.rist@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide an opportunity for postgraduate diploma students to advance their understanding of a particular field of study and research through identification and analysis of relevant sources and historiographical issues in their chosen field. Where appropriate, skills in the analysis of material evidence will be developed together with those dealing with textual sources.

Aims:
This module aims to provide an opportunity for postgraduate diploma students to advance their understanding of a particular field of study and research through identification and analysis of relevant sources and historiographical issues in their chosen field. Where appropriate, skills in the analysis of material evidence will be developed together with those dealing with textual sources.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Locate, analyse and evaluate primary sources in an appropriate field


• Display a critical understanding of relevant methodological issues


• Develop analytical understandings of their chosen body of evidence


• Demonstrate initiative and conceptual sophistication in the selection of appropriate material


• Organize and present their material using proper scholarly method

Additional outcomes:
The module will also develop the student's skills in the identification and use of relevant archives and research collections. Skills of time management and planning of appropriate visits will be developed, as also will be skills in online searching and bibliographical research.

Outline content:
A field of research is chosen by the student, with the guidance of Centre staff and of the Director, from themes offered by supervisors within the GCMS. As the topics offered are related to tutors' own research, students are familiarised with up-to-date research methodologies as well as gaining a knowledge of textual and/or material evidence relevant to the specific research theme. Topics offered could include: manuscript illumination; medieval libraries; medieval sculpture; medieval epistolary networks

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Introductory orientation sessions will guide students in their choice of topic for research and development. Students will then carry out their own researches into both relevant evidence (which may be textual or material) and contextual/methodological reading. Students will design the structure of their research work and portfolio of evidence in consultation with their supervisor. Work in progress will be presented for discussion in tutorials. These will be complemented by practicals as nece ssary in order to build students' skills in the handling of both primary and secondary sources.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	5	5
Practicals classes and workshops	1	1
Guided independent study:	144	144
Total hours by term	150	150	0
Total hours for module	300

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	67
Portfolio	33

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module will be assessed by one evidence portfolio (33%) (content to be agreed by supervisor) and by a written analysis of 5,000 words (67%).

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:
Resubmission by 1 September.

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