Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

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).

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 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.

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.

General Notes

N/A