HST209: Course Assignment
20 credits (semester 2)
Module Leader: Dr Julia Moses
| Pre-requisites |
Pass in at least two of the Level One modules offered by the Department of History.
| Module Summary |
This is an extended essay undertaken in semester 2. It is an opportunity to undertake detailed independent study on a topic related to one of the modules you are studying at Level Two, with collaborative feedback and support both from a supervisor and from a group of students working in similar areas. The Course Assignment and its associated seminar series and workshop on electronic sources will enable you to develop your research and academic writing skills, as you:
- define a subject area in conjunction with your seminar Tutor
- identify relevant secondary literature to assist you in framing your research question
- locate appropriate evidence to support your arguments, which can be drawn from either primary sources or secondary literature
- formulate and structure an argument grounded in that material
- convey the results of that research and argument in clear prose
You will need to register with a Course Assignment seminar group at the end of semester 1 and a workshop that relates to one of your Level Two modules. Through these sessions and any desired meetings with your seminar tutor, you will be able to seek advice on how to devise and carry out an appropriate project. Your seminar tutor will also need to approve your choice of title.
The word limit for the Course Assignment is 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding any bibliography and any appendices, should these be necessary. Course Assignments which are 5-15% over the word length will be penalised by a deduction of 5% of the mark awarded; pieces more than 15% over the word length will be penalised by a deduction of 10% of the mark awarded. Students should declare the word length on all pieces of coursework.
Submission of a piece of work which falls very substantially under the word limit may also be subject to penalties, where the markers do not regard the submission as representing a satisfactory completion of the module.
Your Course Assignment should be prepared in accordance with the department's guidelines on the presentation of written work, including the proper use of footnotes. You must submit one copy, word-processed. The title page should have, in addition to the title, your candidate registration number, your supervisor's name, the date, and the word-count. The text must also be submitted online, through the 'Turnitin' plagiarism detection service.
The date to hand in the Title Form is Friday 24th February, 2012, by 12 noon. The form is to be submitted via MOLE: HST209.
The deadline for submission is 12 noon on Wednesday 25th April, 2012, and Course Assignments must be submitted in person. The hand-in will take place in the Jessop West Exhibition Space, between 9.00–12.00.
You are required to submit one hard copy either stapled or bound, which should include a Title Page showing your registration number and also the word count. Please bring a completed plagiarism form; this should not be attached to your Course Assignment.
Submission and Extensions
Accidents, serious sudden illness or bereavements which prevent you from submitting work in time should be formally recorded, and you should hand the work in as soon as is practicable. Its status will be determined by the Examining Board when your case is discussed, and assignments submitted late may be penalised without acceptable documentary evidence provided. Simple 'extensions' cannot be given, and your supervisor is not authorised to give them. If you are unsure of your position then you should contact Dr Amanda Power.
| Teaching |
Two introductory seminars offering guidance in the subject area within a collaborative learning environment; a workshop on electronic resources available within the broad subject area; and further guidance from your seminar tutor, by arrangement.
| Intended Learning Outcomes |
Students who complete this module will have acquired the ability to:
- Utilise a variety of bibliographical tools in both printed and electronic form to locate a range of sources on which to base a research project of their own choosing.
- Critically analyse limited amounts of primary or other historical/historiographical materials in the process of developing a coherent and original thesis.
- Contextualise their own research project in the light of existing scholarship.
- Present and organise effectively a substantial body of writing complete with full scholarly apparatus, working to a deadline.
- Revise and restructure their ideas in the light of comments from supervisors.
- Formulate, articulate and restructure their research agenda and conclusions in cooperation with fellow students in seminars.