CAC3020 : Independent Study Module for Q800 students
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Dr Susanna Phillippo
- Lecturer: Professor Jakob Wisse, Dr Anke Walter, Dr Thomas Rütten, Dr David Creese
- Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
This 20-credit module gives you the opportunity to pursue a research topic that has your particular interest, and to carry out independent research on it under the guidance of a supervisor. The result will be a ‘mini-dissertation’ of 6,000 words.
The module is specifically designed for Q800 students, and meant to give them the option of writing a dissertation-style piece of work (and thus obtaining research training e.g. in preparation for Postgrad work) without taking up all non-language credits and thus diminishing the breadth of the programme, as is the case with the 40-credit dissertation CAC3000.
Possible topics include a wide range of subjects within Greek and Roman literature, thought and culture. You will receive guidance on topic choice, but are encouraged to think of possibilities yourself.
The aims of this module are:
• To allow students an opportunity to pursue in more depth a topic of their choice, applying skills learnt elsewhere in their degree programme.
• To promote the skills of independent self-study, in particular: the ability to plan, organise and research an extended piece of written work; and initiative in identifying and solving intellectual problems posed by the topic studied.
Outline Of Syllabus
A topic will be chosen in consultation with the module leader, who will approve the final choice and also assign each student to a member of staff who will act as supervisor.
Preliminary lectures offer general guidance, e.g. about carrying out research, finding appropriate bibliography and academic writing.
The emphasis, however, is on independent work, under the guidance of the supervisor, who will be available for a number of supervisory sessions throughout the year.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 96 | 1:00 | 96:00 | 50% of guided independent study |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 38 | 1:00 | 38:00 | 20% of guided independent study |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | skills workshop sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | 30% of guided independent study |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Individual Dissertation Tutorials |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CAC3000 | Dissertation |
| CAH3000 | Portfolio in Ancient History II: Dissertation |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures 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 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 analysing the texts (and other materials) used in their project; and to encourage them in further developing their skills at independent work.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 95 | 6000 words (the word-limit includes footnotes and appendixes, but not bibliography) |
| Research proposal | 1 | M | 5 | detailed essay plan of 700-900 words (the word-limit includes footnotes and appendixes, but not bibliography) |
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 Extended Essay 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CAC3020's Timetable