Overview

This module aims to train students to initiate research projects, and will lay the foundations for their MA dissertation. It will teach students to use ‘finding aids’ to compile a corpus of archaeological material in their chosen area of interest; it will show them how to compile literature reviews and desktop assessments; and it will allow them to construct a research plan for a project which could use the material they have found to produce a substantive and original research piece. It provides guidance on how to produce a successful MA thesis.

How to produce a successful thesis. Use of finding aids to compile lists of sources; presentation of scholarly bibliographies; production of critical literature search; construction of research plans for substantial and original research pieces; presentation of research through oral presentations; computer workshops in using online resources and map data, creating databases, and creating GIS-based analyses.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C/50%: will compile and discuss a bibliography of primary and secondary sources of relevance and present it reasonably correctly and write a literature search with some critical comment, and they will assemble a research plan which may be limited but which could serve as the foundation of a basically successful dissertation. Better students (50s) will compile a bibliography of primary and secondary sources in the relevant area and present it correctly and write a literature search with adequate critical comment, and they will assemble a research plan likely to serve as the foundation of a solid academic dissertation.With the oral presentation: Threshold students (40s) will present information, but this may seem relatively uncoordinated and hesitant and is likely to be short. Better students (50s) will show some awareness of audience and on the methods required to engage people, but will still lack fluidity or content.

-good -B/60%: will compile a bibliography meeting the criteria above, but perhaps also containing some unusual or very recent items, which would suggest effective and imaginative use of finding aids. Their literature search should also show good critical acumen. Their research plan will be adequate as a foundation for a dissertation ¿ but may also include perceptive understandings of the state of the chosen field, imaginative choices of primary material, or full understandings of the possible problems (as well as the strengths) of the chosen methodology.With oral presentation: Good students (60s) will speak clearly, using the time and materials sensibly to convey a clear case.

-excellent -A/70%: will produce correct and imaginative bibliographies with an excellent critical literature search demonstrating understanding of a very high standard, and fully effective research plans which suggest a research project of great insight or significance as well as originality.With oral presentation: Excellent students (70s and above) will produce and explain a cogent piece of work using relevant forms of presentation with clarity and precision.

Learning Outcomes

• Construct a plan for a research project to produce a substantial and original piece of historical or archaeological investigation and analysis.

• Present that material in an appropriate scholarly manner and report to a professional standard in writing and orally.

• Produce a critical literature search relevant to the dissertation with a correctly set out bibliography.

• Use electronic and printed finding aids to compile a list of secondary and primary material in a chosen scholarly area.