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HIS30550

Academic Year 2024/2025

Research Skills Seminar (HIS30550)

Subject:
History
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
History
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Ivar McGrath
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The prime objective of this module is to prepare students to write a dissertation. Students will be required as part of the module to arrange three meetings with their dissertation supervisor during the trimester, each one tied to the three assessments required on the module. The module will focus on three areas of dissertation preparation: the dissertation Proposal; 2: the survey of secondary source literature; and 3: the identification of the key primary source material for the topic. Every student needs to identify a topic, and then focus that topic so that it is coherent and workable. Likewise, every student needs to identify and analyse primary source materials, work with secondary literature, and develop a methodology. In this module, students will begin this process by working as a group and with their individual supervisors.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students should have
- a clear description and understanding of the topic of their dissertation
- an deep awareness of relevant primary and secondary materials
- an awareness of appropriate methodology
- an established working relationship with their supervisor

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

50
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Seminar (or Webinar)

12
Project Supervision

3
Total

115

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a small-group, seminar-based module. It is taught through fortnightly two-hour seminars and three individual meetings with each student's personal supervisor. The seminars focus upon individual active / task-based learning by means of class debates, discussion and student presentations. Advanced research, writing and citation skills are developed through three written assignments focused upon developing the student dissertation topic. Autonomous learning is advanced through student-led debate and discussion.

Generative AI may not be used for assessments in this module. If you have any concerns about what is included in the remit of generative AI, please consult with your Module Coordinator.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): a 2,000-word literature survey which overviews, discusses and assesses the existing secondary sources on the topic Week 14 Graded No
40
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Students are assessed on their contributions in seminars. Week 1, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 7, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): A 1,000 word dissertation proposal which covers the key areas of a proposal, including aims & objectives; research questions;
secondary source overview; Primary sources; methodology		 Week 5 Graded No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): An in-class powerpoint presentation outlining their key secondary and primary sources for their dissertation. Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on the in-term written assignments is given in writing on the returned hard-copy. Feedback on the end-of-semester assignment is given by appointment in one-to-one meetings.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 12:00 - 13:50
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