Overview

The module is taught by means of a series of tutorials (face to face meetings between the student and the tutor), which are usually arranged at the request of the student, and sometimes at the request of the tutor. Students will liaise with their tutors to see if there will be periods when neither is available (during the summer). The first meetings will be used to discuss ideas, resources and methodologies, and students will also receive training in research skills, to prepare them thoroughly for the formal work of planning and producing an extended research essay in the field in question (this is done taking advantage of the subject-specific provision in the relevant School(s). At later meetings drafts of the essay itself will be discussed. Discussions via e-mail can also take place occasionally if it is mutually agreed that this is the most effective way of working. The number of tutorials will vary according to the circumstances of individual students; ten are recommended, but this is not necessarily the maximum. Students can research any fields which are relevant to ‘The Celts’ and the work will be supervised by a tutor with appropriate expertise in the chosen field.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(C) Shows ability to work independently and write critically; able to summarise relevant scholarship in a particular field; able to identify the most obvious counter arguments to the argument mooted; most of the sources noted accurately; able to present a viewpoint and argue clearly and shows ability to structure an extended and specialized discussion and plan it in a coherent manner showing a grasp of the discipline’s technical terminology and vocabulary. Able to write Welsh/English which is mostly correct.

-good -(B) Shows good ability to work independently and write critically; succeeds in presenting a personal, independent and balanced opinion, although not always examining or realising its significance; shows a critical understanding of relevant scholarship in a particular field; presents a viewpoint and argues clearly and coherently. Shows a good understanding of the discipline’s terminology and vocabulary and a good grasp on the syntax of the Welsh/English language.

-excellent -(A) Shows an excellent ability to work independently and write critically; work of a standard which could (with minor changes) be published in a relevant specialist journal; shows critical understanding of relevant scholarship and conveys a mature and revealing opinion in the context of that scholarship. Presents and develops an extended argument clearly, logically and coherently; show a developed ability to organise data in the form of notes and bibliographies; shows a firm grasp of the discipline’s technical terminology and vocabulary; show a firm grasp of the syntax of the Welsh/English language.

Learning Outcomes

• Able to structure a complex argument in essay form, using and incorporating a range of primary and secondary evidence convincingly and accurately.

• Able to frame hypotheses skilfully, and evaluate them bearing in mind counter arguments and contrary evidence.

• Able to read primary texts critically, regarding their content and context (and their format, where relevant), and using the evidence gleaned from them to support and develop a cogent argument.

• Able to use a methodology or methodologies which is/are appropriate to the topic(s) in question, and apply it/them accurately.

• Able to write an academic essay in accordance with the formal conventions of the field in question.

• Understand concepts and methods currently used in the chosen field.