Perspectives on Sources: Independent Study Project in the Humanities
| Module title | Perspectives on Sources: Independent Study Project in the Humanities |
|---|---|
| Module code | HUC2002 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Martha Vandrei (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
This module is one of the most important in the Penryn Humanities’ Single and Combined Honours undergraduate programmes at Level 2. It represents a major step in developing your skills in academic research and writing in the humanities. You will complete a portfolio of texts focused on a topic reflecting your scholarly interests, the research strengths of staff, and the availability of research resources.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module builds on work done in core level 1 modules such as HUC1004 Research Skills and HUC1002 Craft of Writing, although there are no prerequisite modules for it.
It is a guided independent study module, which aims to develop your skills in independent study, assessing the value and significance of primary sources, critically engaging with secondary literature and scholarly debates, and producing concise and precise written work. The choice of materials for the research need to reflect the disciplinary perspective or perspectives represented by your particular programme of study. The module also prepares you for the final element of independent study at level 3 in the form of the Single and Combined Honours dissertations. You will have one supervisor who will provide a total of two hours of contact. The summative assessment comprises a project proposal and a source portfolio. The project proposal requires you to outline the significance of your topic and the importance of the primary and secondary source materials you have chosen to explore it. The source portfolio is a detailed critical analysis of these materials.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Evaluate changes in the secondary literature and to identify significant scholarly debates
- 2. Identify and access a range of suitable primary sources
- 3. Reflect critically upon the learning experience
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Assess the work of scholars and handle different approaches in areas of controversy
- 5. Collate and critique data from a range of sources
- 6. Understand and deploy scholarly terminology in a comprehensible manner
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Undertake independent study and work
- 8. Digest, select and organise varied primary and secondary material
- 9. Produce, to a deadline, a coherent and cogent argument and analysis, developed through the mode of assessment
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
Aside from the one-on-one supervision with your supervisor, the module will also consist of three briefing sessions: one at the end of Term 3 of your first year to get you started on your project; and two in Term 1 of your second year of study. These sessions will include an introduction to archival research and writing a Project Proposal. In addition, there will be two day-long archival research workshops which will take place in the first half of Term 1. You will also attend a project planning and writing workshop, designed to give you practical advice on writing an extended research essay.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 290 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 3 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 5 | Seminars - these will be led by the tutor. You will need to prepare for each seminar and to present on a given topic in groups of 3 on 2 occasions. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Supervision: Where supervisors discuss your project ideas and provide feedback on the project proposal |
| Guided Independent Study | 290 | Private study |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project proposal | 15 | 1000 words | 1-2, 7-8 | Mark, written and oral comments |
| Source portfolio | 85 | 6000 words | 1-9 | Mark and written comments |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project proposal | Project proposal (1000 words) | 1-2, 7-8 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Source portfolio | Source portfolio (6000 words) | 1-9 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
If you are referred or deferred, you will submit the two pieces of summative assessment as specified above.
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 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Basic reading: As appropriate to choice of research topic.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | No module pre-requisites, but you must be resident for both terms in order to take this module. If you are on Study Abroad for one term, you cannot take this module |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 2015 |
| Last revision date | 17/03/2022 |
