MSMSTA-Option A

Module Provider: Grad Cen for Medieval Studs
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term 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 Options provide an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject area through an in-depth study of relevant sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own independent capacity for research.

Aims:
The Options provide an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject area through an in-depth study of relevant sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own independent capacity for research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• locate, analyse and evaluate primary sources relevant to their field using proper critical and comparative method


• 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


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

Additional outcomes:
The module will also develop the student's skills of time management and oral communication. They will develop skills of presentation and advocacy in discussion with their supervisor. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and by advanced word-processing.

Outline content:
A subject is chosen by the student, with the guidance of the Centre staff, from subjects offered within the GCMS. As the subjects offered are related to staff research, students are exposed to the most up-to date analyses and gain knowledge of scholarship in the specific discipline or disciplines. Subjects offered in the past have included: Chaucer; Dante; the Medieval Book; Romance; Medieval Women; Byzantine material culture; and Arthurian literature. Students may also be trained in a medievalvernacular (for example, French; German; Italian; Welsh; Old Irish; Old English; Old Norse). It is also possible for a subject to be tailor-made to fit a student's own interests, to provide a foundation for an intended doctoral application. Students may replace one Option by an appropriate module offered within another MA programme.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Introductory orientation sessions in the Autumn term guide students in their choice of the subjects 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. Working bibliographies will be presented for comment. Tutorials offer an opportunity for background and contextual discussion as well as detailed analysis of the subjects chosen for research and writte n work.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	10
Guided independent study:	189	1
Total hours by term	199	1	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
This module will be examined by one essay of 4,000 words OR, where a medieval language is involved, by coursework (50%) and a timed test (50%). The essay for Option A is due in on the first day of the Spring Term.

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:
An average of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of the essay, or resubmission of the coursework and resitting of the timed test 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