ARCH57830: GUIDED STUDY

• None

• None

• None.

• To develop a detailed yet broad level of knowledge of the current key issues in the selected period/area of study and to develop a theoretical and empirical basis for future research.
• To develop the necessary range and depth of knowledge to identify areas within the selected subject domain that could be profitably pursued in further research.

• The student will undertake largely independent work on a topic agreed with the module tutor and which pursues a detailed and specialised analysis for a specified geographical period/area. An introductory bibliography on the topic will be provided to guide the initial research for the first assignment.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A detailed understanding of a selected topic within a defined research area;
• An understanding of complex theory and methodology of the selected research are and its critical application to the selected topic.

Subject-specific Skills:

• The collection of appropriate archaeological data;
• The analysis and interpretation of the above data.

Key Skills:

• Completion of a research-led assignment through largely independent study.

• The primary mode of teaching will be by tutorials, usually of one-hour duration unless agreed differently. Students will be required to undertake specified reading prior to each tutorial; this is a minimum requirement and it is expected that students will supplement this with their own reading. The work of the tutorial will include two formative individual presentations, and guided discussions where all students will be expected to make a contribution. The purpose of the presentation is to introduce the main reading for the tutorial and to outline its key arguments. The discussion will provide all students with the opportunity to engage with a wider range of data, texts and commentaries and to express independent judgement on their meaning and significance. The tutorials will enable the students to develop their abilities to express ideas and defend them against possible criticisms, to learn from alternative theoretical perspectives, to explore issues and arguments in greater depth, and to receive feedback from both the group and the lecturer on their own understanding and presentation. The modes of learning through tutorial presentations, tutorial participation, and essay writing will enhance the student's capacity to organise their material and ideas and to develop independent research and analysis within a supportive learning environment.
• Students are required to submit a 1500-word formative essay plan (or practical equivalent) early in the module. This enables them to practice their essay-writing skills, to assess their own progress, and to receive feedback on whether they are achieving at the appropriate level, whether they are sufficiently informed, and they are expressing themselves appropriately.
• This will be a good preparation for the 4000-word summative essay (or practical equivalents) which students are required to submit at agreed points in the course of the module. This will require students to research, prepare and write highly analytical essays that display knowledge of theoretical issues and an ability to relate these to the practice and interpretation of archaeological material, data and literature. These exercises enable students to demonstrate that they have sufficient subject knowledge to meet the assessment criteria, that they have achieved the subject skills and that they have also acquired the key skills.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.