Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module, one of the initial modules taken by entrants onto the MA programme, provides students with an advanced exposure to the different methods for interpreting ancient cultures (in the broadest sense) in a variety of different contexts. Emphasis is placed on acquiring a deeper understanding of the particular practices of various research fields, theoretical approaches, and different models for interpretation and reconstruction.

The overall aims of the module are threefold:

i) To encourage students of different disciplinary backgrounds to expand their skill-sets and conceptual horizons via exposure to different models of interpretation and contextualisation;
ii) To stimulate critical thinking about the robustness of integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to subject material in Classics and Ancient History;
iii) To foster (in common with CAC8000) a broad, dynamic set of skills with respect to sources, models, and interpretation, ultimately ensuring that each student is equipped with a diverse toolkit for pursuing subsequent study and research in Classics and Ancient History.

In the context of the MA programme, this module’s learning outcomes anticipate and are complementary with the following other modules.

• CAC8000: Research Skills and Development
• CAC8090: Dissertation

Outline Of Syllabus

Typically, this module will be structured around four major research case-studies relating to the active research expertise of Newcastle staff, which will be presented by that staff and discussed with students in a dialogic, seminar-style forum.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. To appraise the models and approaches deployed in a range of scholarly sub-fields in Classics and Ancient History, and to demonstrate an informed awareness of how to pursue research using such models and approaches on an independent basis;
2. To review how different research skills in Classics and Ancient History are developed (especially relating to issues of modern interpretation), and to determine how these skills might be further enhanced and applied to a plurality of self-chosen areas of study;
3. To identify and investigate independently a self-chosen research topic inspired by a topic featuring in the conspectus of the module’s teaching programme, resulting in an extended written research-essay;
4. Overall, to recognise the value of integrating different disciplinary skill-sets and interpretative approaches, and to evolve an interdisciplinary perspective (distinct from previous UG study) that will be beneficial for the duration of the MA programme and beyond.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. To discuss, analyse, evaluate, and integrate the advanced research skills relating to a range of sub-fields in Classics and Ancient History in which Newcastle staff have expertise;
2. To practise and recognise the learning value of collaboration and discussion with student peers and teaching staff throughout the module’s teaching and learning activities, including student-led content;
3. To apply advanced research skills learnt during the module to a self-chosen area of study;
4. To consolidate and expand competence with respect to the presentation of work in written and oral forms;
5. To utilise structured opportunities for personal and professional reflection, in response to feedback of various kinds, in the pursuit of constructive academic improvement.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The learning outcomes, both knowledge and skills, for this module fundamentally underpin the teaching and learning methods employed.

Seminars will principally consist of teacher-introduced material which will serve as the basis for discussion of a particular research case-study (a ‘culture in context’) over two two-hour sessions. Reading will be assigned in advance and will inform this discussion. Ultimately, the aim is to create a learning environment in which students take an active role in their own development, and indeed support each other’s development, while being guided by staff expertise and experience. This type of learning activity aligns with knowledge outcomes 1, 2, & 4, and skills outcomes 1 & 2. Seminars will be either synchronous online and present in person depending on contributors and student cohort.

An introductory seminar will explicitly prepare students for the assessment component of the module, namely the research-essay, itself designed to assess the broader sets of knowledges and skills developed over the course of the module. A further session will be devoted to essay guidance and peer review and a final session will offer students the opportunity to present on their research. This type of learning activity aligns with knowledge outcomes 2, 3, & 4, and skills outcomes 3, 4, & 5.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment for this module has been designed in tandem with the learning outcomes and with the chosen teaching and learning activities.

The written research-essay, 3,500 words long and due after the close of teaching for the semester, builds on the skills content introduced in the module. Students will be asked to devise a research question inspired by (but not necessarily featuring the same topic as) a contextualising approach featured in one or more of the case-studies introduced in the teaching and learning sessions, and they will do so with staff guidance but predominantly as an independent exercise (and thus as a structured step into autonomy); this question will then serve as the basis for their essay. All research questions will be approved, including the issue of their level-appropriateness, by the module leader. Staff guidance will be available throughout the module for this exercise,

A formative essay plan will ensure that the aims of the assignment are fully clarified. This assessment component aligns with knowledge outcomes 1, 2, & 4, and with skills outcomes 1, 2, 3, & 4.

All of the assessments for this module will be submitted and marked online.

General Notes

N/A