CL3DN-Dissertation in Classics

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CL3DP Preparation for Dissertation in Classics
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Aston
Email: e.m.m.aston@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This dissertation should allow for in-depth research, explication, and documentation of a topic. Its result should be a piece of original research or, possibly, an original artistic production.

Aims:

This dissertation should allow for in-depth research, explication, and documentation of a topic. Its result should be a piece of original research or, possibly, an original artistic production.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be expected to:]

• explore and develop a topic of their own devising


• show that they have acquired the tools necessary to research their topic adequately and to document that research


• be able to present the results of their research


• be able to write reflective pieces about the dissertation and their use of the supervisor’s feedback.

Additional outcomes:

Students will additionally learn to use web-based resources relevant to their research and acquire IT skills.

Outline content:

Students write one dissertation of no more than 10,000 words.Ìý One draft chapter will be submitted at the end of the autumn term.Ìý ÌýA reflective essay will be submitted alongside the final dissertation.Ìý A workshop will be provided to guide students on the requirements of the reflective essay.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The dissertation begins in the Spring and Summer terms of Part 2 when Dissertation Workshops are held. These workshops introduce Part 2 students to the principles of the dissertation exercise. In the Summer term of Part 2, students are enrolled in the co-requisite module CL3DP and asked to propose a dissertation topic to the Classics Department. Following approval of their proposed topic, students meet their allocated supervisor at the end of the Summer term of Part 2 in order to prepare for initial research over the summer vacation. An oral presentation is given as part of CL3DP in week 3 of Autumn term of Part 3.Ìý Over the Autumn and Spring terms, in Part 3, students meet regularly with their supervisor and are encouraged to submit bibliographies, outlines and rough drafts for comment. At the end of Autumn term of Part 3 students submit a draft chapter (of 1500-3000 words), worth 10% of the module mark. The dissertation is submitted at the beginning of the Summer term of Part 3, together with a short reflective exercise.