Module CLAS40460: Dissertation in Classics and Ancient History (Ancient Philosophy)

Department: Classics and Ancient History

CLAS40460: Dissertation in Classics and Ancient History (Ancient Philosophy)

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• CLAS40260, CLAS51260

Aims

• To foster development of research skills and, in accordance with the general aims of the associated pathway of this programme, to help prepare students for independent academic research in the field of Classics in general, and Ancient Philosophy in particular.

Content

• Supervisions, according to a pattern agreed between student and supervisor; weekly MA Research Seminars, shared with CLAS40260 and CLAS51260, which build key skills for graduate research in Classics and Ancient History and support the development of students' dissertations; desirable regular attendance at designated Departmental research seminars and at research events of the Durham Centre for Ancient and Medieval Philosophy.

Learning Outcomes

• The topic of the dissertation lies within the field of ancient philosophy. It will be decided in consultation between the student and their dissertation supervisor, who will be a specialist in ancient philosophy. The student will be expected to develop and demonstrate in the dissertation good knowledge of the primary evidence relevant to their topic, of the scholarly status quaestionis and relevant secondary literature, and of the research methodologies appropriate to the material and topic.

• The dissertation provides the major focus for the practice and application of research skills acquired through other modules in the programme, especially those relevant to higher research in ancient philosophy. Students are expected to demonstrate in it the ability to handle relevant evidence-types with a reasonable level of theoretical sophistication (including reflective awareness of methodology) and logical clarity; the ability to develop and locate work in a wider, reflective theoretical context; the ability to engage with 'unmediated' primary evidence, including ancient texts in the original languages; the ability to locate and access relevant secondary literature, including, where possible according to the linguistic aptitudes of the student, secondary literature written in other modern languages, and the ability to plan a larger-scale research project on the basis of good bibliographical skills and reflective awareness of available and current methodologies. .

• Successful completion of the dissertation requires effective time management and the capacity to plan a major piece of work over a long period; the effective use of libraries, and IT resources; the ability to engage in reflective and self-directed learning; and the ability to express the findings of research in clear written form, and according to appropriate stylistic conventions.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Summative assessment for the module is by a 15,000-word dissertation (100%). The dissertation is intended to represent a substantial enough piece of independent research relative to the length of the programme to allow the student to demonstrate the full range of their skill in research and written presentation, and their capacity for further independent research in the field of ancient philosophy. Since the learning outcomes amount to the student becoming an independent researcher in this field, and since the module is intended to draw on skills and knowledge acquired in other modules, the teaching and learning context for the dissertation is more one of student support than information delivery.
• Every student is allocated a supervisor, who will be an expert in ancient philosophy. Tutorial-style supervision allows focused and detailed discussion of the student's individual research project, and allows high-quality and specific guidance on relevant materials and methodologies, and personalised feedback on the progress of the argument. Supervisions are expected to cover matters such as the evidence and scholarly context of the student's work, the theoretical analysis they bring to the primary evidence, and the manner in which their conclusions are written up and presented.
• In addition to individual dissertation supervision, students will attend a weekly MA Research Seminar (1-2 hours per week). The aim of the Seminar is to support students in their acquisition of skills and training in Classical Research appropriate to study at Level 4. In particular, this means that it facilitates their acquisition of the skills necessary not only for the preparation of their MA dissertation but also for progression to independent research at a higher level. In the first term the MA Research Seminar will consist of ten one-hour classes focused on broad skills training, introducing students to key research methodologies and resources in the discipline. In the second term, ten two-hour classes will enable students to give presentations and receive feedback from their peers and the module convenor on their developing dissertation research, leading up to the submission of the formative dissertation proposal at the end of this term.
• Contact with the dissertation supervisor and participation in the MA Research Seminar is complemented by expected attendance at the weekly Departmental Research Seminar and the weekly Junior Work-in-Progress Seminar. Students are thereby encouraged to engage with other research projects and in this way develop a deeper appreciation of the wider context of Classical Studies in which their work in ancient philosophy is situated, and an insight into methodologies and approaches with which they might not have been familiar.
• Formative work consists of a book review (1,000 words), a dissertation proposal (1,000 words), and one chapter of the dissertation (ca. 4,000 words).
• The dissertation is to be submitted electronically, no later than the date specified by the Department Office. The word limit of 15,000 words includes footnotes, appendices &c. (unless specific dispensation has been allowed, for example to include primary texts in appendices), but excludes the abstract and the bibliography.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One formative book review, at the end of Michaelmas Term (1,000 words). One formative proposal, at the end of Epiphany Term (1,000 words). One draft dissertation chapter, at the end of Easter Term (ca. 4,000 words).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University