ARC3000 - Archaeological Dissertation
2021/2 Module description
| Staff | Dr Robert Morkot - Convenor |
|---|---|
| Credit Value | 30 |
| ECTS Value | 15 |
| NQF Level | 6 |
| Pre-requisites | 60 credits of archaeology at EACH levels 1 and 2, i.e. 120 credits |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Duration of Module | Term 1: 11 weeks; Term 2: 11 weeks; |
Module description
In this module you will research independently a topic of your choice in the field of Archaeology and write up your research in a dissertation. You will start preparing for your dissertation during the second term of year 2, deciding on an appropriate topic which must be approved by your dissertation supervisor.
Module aims
The module will develop the ability to define a field of enquiry, undertake a sustained period of research into it and produce a dissertation upon it. It will encourage the application of knowledge, principles, skills of enquiry and (where appropriate) illustrative skills. It will develop the ability critically to evaluate the issues relating to the subject area.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Critically analyse and deploy primary archaeological data and acquire a detailed knowledge of the subject area under investigation
- 2. Prepare and deploy appropriate illustrative material
- 3. Know the chronological and methodological frameworks of the research area and use related conventions in their correct contexts
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 4. Ability to undertake a sustained enquiry
- 5. Deploy bibliographical skills
- 6. Evaluate conflicting opinions
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 7. Devise, implement and keep to a work schedule
- 8. Produce a substantial written report, using appropriate illustrations
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:
- Introduction to dissertations (early in term2 of stage 2). Dissertation Handbook issued.
- Consultation with potential supervisor to define topic (during term 2 of stage 2).
- Submission of Dissertation Proposal Form: by week 8 of term 2
- Early October: meeting with supervisor to discuss progress made during vacation.
- Further meetings with supervisor: late November/early December; late January/early February; March.
- Dissertations are regarded as examinable components and as such, feedback will not be available until after the exam board has met.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 297 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 1 | Introductory synchronous meeting |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 2 | Consultation with dissertation supervisor by e-mail/zoom as mutually agreed |
| Guided independent study | 297 | Self-directed study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation proposal form | 200 words | 1 | Oral discussion |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation plan | 10 | 1000 words | 3, 5 | Mark and written comments |
| Dissertation | 90 | 10000 words | 1-8 | Mark and written comments |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation plan (1000 words) | Dissertation plan (1000 words) | 3, 5 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Dissertation (10000 words) | Dissertation (10000 words) | 1-8 | Referral/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 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
- Baxter, l., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (1996): How to Research.
- Buckingham: Open University Press. Bell, J. (1993): Doing your Research Project. Buckingham: Open University Press.
- Creswell, J.W. (1994): Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. London: Sage.
- Parsons, J. & Knight, P.G. (1995): How to do tour Dissertation in Geography and Related disciplines. London: Chapman & Hall.
- Rudestam, K.E. & Newton, R.R. (1992): Surviving your Dissertation. London: Sage.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Departmental collection of examples of dissertations.
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
28/07/2016
Last revision date
20/08/2020
Important please note
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