Module Catalogue 2023/24

CAH3000 : Portfolio in Ancient History II: Dissertation

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Susanna Phillippo
  • Lecturer: Dr Micaela Langellotti, Dr Simon Corcoran, Professor Federico Santangelo
  • Other Staff: Dr John Holton, Dr Don Miller, Dr Rowland Smith, Dr Joseph Skinner
  • Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 20.0
Pre Requisites
Code Title
CAH2009Portfolio in Ancient History I: Commentaries
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

CAH3000 portfolio II is an independent study module assessed by a dissertation submitted in semester 2.
The aims of this module are to foster research skills and to provide an opportunity to investigate in some depth, with appraisal of selected source material and critical examination of current historiography, an issue selected by the student (and approved by a member of staff) for a dissertation’

Outline Of Syllabus

Portfolio II is a research-focussed module based principally on private study (devised to be taken in conjunction with the pre-requisite module Portfolio I.
Students write a dissertation on a topic of their choice (but approved by a
staff member).

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A detailed knowledge and understanding of a specific research topic in ancient history selected as a dissertation topic.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Development of capacity for independent study.
Development of associated skills in research, critical reading and reasoning, sustained discussion and appropriate presentation of the results.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion1921:00192:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading771:0077:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops31:003:00Skills workshop sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops71:007:00Introductory sessions, skills and library sessions, shared with CAC3000, CAC3020, CLA3090
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision51:005:00Individual Dissertation tutorials
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1161:00116:00N/A
Total400:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
CAC3000Dissertation
CAC3020Independent Study Module for Q800 students
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The scheduled contact sessions are used to (1) emphasize and clarify the arrangements, to ensure that students have all the information needed to do their work independently; (2) summarize and discuss, and thereby reinforce, the skills needed for independent writing and researching as taught in the previous years (particularly in the Stage-2 skills modules): study skills, writing skills, and awareness of research methods and tools.

Workshop sessions are used to reinforce skills training and give students the opportunity to practise specific skills on evidence relevant to their dissertation.

The supervision tutorials are used to support students individually in formulating their research questions, in structuring their writing, in finding their way in the scholarly literature, and in analyzing the texts (and other materials) used in their project; and to encourage them in further developing their skills at independent work.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Dissertation2M95Dissertation of 12,000 words (the word count includes footnotes and appendices, but not bibliography)
Research proposal1M5Students must submit a detailed essay plan worth 5% of the dissertation module. 700-900 words
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise2M1 chapter section of c. 1,500 words submitted for comment to supervisor
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students must submit an essay plan, due in the course of Semester 1. This plan ensures that students come to grips with their topic at an early stage, so that they have enough time to write the dissertation itself, and a firm basis on which to do so.

The dissertation assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of their chosen topic and of the issues involved in it; their ability independently to apply skills of analysis and interpretative tools to a topic beyond the taught syllabus; and their skills of initiative, planning, organisation and adaptability in selecting and defining an appropriate topic, assembling relevant primary and secondary material, outlining the approach to be taken, and organising a schedule for completing the various stages of the project. It also assesses their skills in written communication.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

This module cannot be made available to exchange students under any circumstances. This applies to Erasmus, study-abroad, exchange proper and Loyola students equally.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.