University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2014/15 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Arts > Department of Classics & Ancient History > Classics and Ancient History (MA) > Specification
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Programme code | 1CLAS017T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Laura Jansen
|
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
1) to offer students a broad understanding of the culture of the ancient Greco-Roman world and its reception
2) to develop a number of subject-specific skills including literary, cultural and historical analysis and, where appropriate, language skills
3) to familiarise students with a variety of primary material
4) to train the students in a range of methodological and theoretical approaches
5) to develop the student's ability to think critically and independently
The degree structure is designed to engage students in a cumulative process of developing skills and knowledge through a sequence of complementary stages. In TB1, the student develops research skills: Theories and Approaches introduces students to a series of methodological debates which are approached through the analysis of specific examples. To deepen this introduction to methodology, students are also required to take the course in Research Methods which runs over the year and introduces students to the conventions of academic writing and a variety of research tools as well as training them in effective oral presentation. In TB1 and TB2 students explore specific subject areas through a combination of Options taught by members of staff. These Options are organised around four themes, Myth, Identities, Tradition and Histories and enable students to extend and apply the range of skills and concepts introduced in the mandatory units. Students may choose to follow designated language units in Latin and Greek at all levels. The dissertation serves as the culmination of the student's progress through the degree programme. The programme functions as a discrete, structurally coherent and intellectually challenging programme in itself and it offers a comprehensive grounding in the research skills necessary for undertaking further postgraduate study into the Greco-Roman world.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Acquisition of knowledge through seminars, tutorials and class discussion. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Knowledge is tested through the production of written coursework (essays), a range of seminar presentations and the submission of a final dissertation. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Acquisition of knowledge through seminars, tutorials and class discussion. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Knowledge is tested through the production of written coursework (assessed essays) that test powers of analysis, synthesis and evaluation as well as bibliographical techniques. Accuracy and clarity of expression are also tested. Problem-solving is assessed by written work to deadline and use of material. Seminar presentations assess ability to analyse and present findings. Research skills and self-directed learning are assessed by the dissertation. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Acquisition of knowledge through seminars, tutorials and class discussion. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Knowledge is tested through the production of written coursework (essays) and in seminar presentations. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
An understanding of the research techniques involved in the scholarly study of Greco-Roman cultures, and a critical awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Students will have studied methodological material relevant to the programme and will gain an understanding of critical theory and research methods. Students will begin a course in Research Methods to develop their written and communication skills, and their use of information technology and library sources. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
A broadening knowledge and evidence of more sophisticated use of skills when talking and writing about Greco-Roman cultures. A developing understanding of research, and of the techniques appropriate to specific areas within the field of Classics and Ancient History. Increasing critical self-awareness and evidence of use of research methods, and an ability of apply relevant theories when talking and writing about particular works. Ability to make use of a range of sources and to analyse this material in the production of a coherent piece of work. Evidence as appropriate of increasing language skills, particularly in the area of reading and understanding complex primary sources in the original. Optional units will allow for a wider knowledge base in specific areas of the students' choosing. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
The final stage is the dissertation which requires students to have reached the requisite pass level in the coursework. Good evidence of self-knowledge, insight and reflexive practice. Ability to work flexibly and adapt skills across a range of areas. Secure grasp of research in practice and an ability to evaluate that research critically. Competence and authority in working with a diverse range of primary and secondary sources relating to the field of Classics and Ancient History. Ability to plan a piece of research, using relevant literature, developing a methodology, and to conduct research in practice. Ability to conduct competent intellectual argument and to resent such argument and analysis in written form. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
This is a flexible and wide-ranging MA programme structured around four distinctive themes: Identities, Myth, Histories and Tradition. These themes reflect areas of international research excellence within the department.
The Course Director, Dr Ellen O'Gorman, Department of Classics and Ancient History, 11 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1TB
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Theories and Approaches | CLASM0040 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Dissertation | CLASM1000 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Research Methods in Classics and Ancient History | CLASM0041 | 20 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Student choose 4 optional units (subject to availability) from the following: | ||||
Reception: Theories & Approaches | CLASM0044 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
The Minoans | CLASM0026 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Ecology and History in the Ancient World | CLASM1005 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Configurations of Gender | CLASM1004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Time, Temporality and Texts | CLASM1012 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Letter writing in the Roman World | CLASM1015 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Myth and History in Fifth-Century Athens | CLASM1020 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Pagan and Christian in Late Antiquity: Debate and Interaction | CLASM1025 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
The Apocalypse in Culture and Society (1000-1500) | HISTM0032 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Spectacle and Ceremony | HARTM0316 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Introductory Latin | AFACM1003 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
The Persian Empire | CLASM0048 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
The Senses | CLASM0049 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Lucretius and Modern Fiction Criticism | CLASM0050 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Supervised Individual Study | CLASM1011 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Supervised Individual Study 2 | CLASM1026 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Receptions of Greek Tragedy | CLASM0052 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Thucydides and the Idea of History | CLASM0053 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
OR students may take a combination of the above and either up to 60 credits worth of language/text units from within the department/school: | ||||
Greek Language Level A | CLASM0027 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Greek Language Level B1 | CLASM0028 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Greek Language Level B2 | CLASM0029 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Greek Language Level C1 | CLASM0030 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Greek Language Level C2 | CLASM0031 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Greek Language Level D | CLASM0032 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Latin Language Level A | CLASM0033 | 20 | Optional | TB-4 |
Latin Language Level B1 | CLASM0034 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Latin Language Level B2 | CLASM0035 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Latin Language Level C1 | CLASM0036 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Latin Language Level C2 | CLASM0037 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Latin Language Level D1 | CLASM0038 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Latin Language Level D2 | CLASM0039 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Master of Arts | 180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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