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Study information

Supervised Medieval Study

Module titleSupervised Medieval Study
Module codeHASM007
Academic year2023/4
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Gregory Lippiatt (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

10

10

Number students taking module (anticipated)

5

Module description

This module enables you to work closely with a member of staff from the Centre for Medieval Studies and to pursue an independent study project on an area aligned with their research expertise. This module is particularly suitable for you if you wish to explore certain topics in more depth than is offered within existing taught modules.

Through a series of fortnightly tutorials with your supervisor, you will read and discuss a selection of materials relating to your topic, which will highlight relevant primary sources and allow you to engage with some of the key debates and controversies in the field. Over the course of the term, and with the support and guidance of your supervisor, you will devise and develop a research project in this area. This module provides you with experience of independent study within a structured and supportive framework of contact. It will help you develop key skills which are required for the MA dissertation and PhD research, and which are also transferable to other careers: planning and organisation of a project; research; detailed and critical analysis.

NB. The ability to work with particular members of staff is dependent upon their availability in any given year.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aims of the module are:

  • To pursue an independent research project, based on critical engagement with primary evidence and secondary literature, from concept to completion
  • To engage closely with the active research interests of a member of staff from the Centre for Medieval Studies
  • To develop goal setting and time-management skills in pursuing a personal programme of research
  • To enhance research and writing skills in preparation for the dissertation

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of a particular area of Medieval Studies
  • 2. Critically analyse arguments by reading and discussing key primary evidence and secondary literature
  • 3. Present sophisticated arguments concisely, explain difficult points; and identify key aspects of a debate

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources
  • 5. Develop a cogent argument
  • 6. Communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 7. Undertake an individual research project in a structured, time-effective fashion
  • 8. Locate and use primary sources and secondary literature effectively
  • 9. Construct and evaluate ideas; formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction
  • 10. Assess and criticise the views of others; write at the level required for ongoing and future research

Syllabus plan

This module allows you to pursue an independent research project in an area aligned with the active research interests of a member of staff at the Centre for Medieval Studies. You will meet in five fortnightly tutorials in which you will discuss set readings, including primary sources and secondary literature, and develop your project in consultation with your supervisor.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
51450

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching55 x tutorials with supervisor
Guided Independent Study145Preparation for tutorials; research, planning and writing of extended essay

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Oral presentation of plan of research project and/or draft material10-15 minutes1-5, 7-10Oral feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Extended essay1004,000 words1-10Written/Oral feedback

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Extended essay (4,000 words)Extended essay (4,000 words)1-10Referral/Deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Indicative basic reading list to be devised for each individual study topic by you and the relevant staff member.

Key words search

Medieval Studies, independent study, research

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

20/04/2023

Last revision date

20/04/2023