MSMSTB-Option B

Module Provider: Grad Cen for Medieval Studs
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Rebecca Rist
Email: r.a.c.rist@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The Options provides an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject area through an in-depth study of relevant sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own independent capacity for research.

Aims:
The Options provides an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject area through an in-depth study of relevant sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own independent capacity for research.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be able to:

• locate, analyse and evaluate primary sources relevant to their field using proper critical and comparative method


• display a critical understanding of existing scholarly interpretations of the subject


• reveal an ability to deal with complex issues within a broader conceptual framework


• demonstrate initiative and self-direction in their methodology, and an appropriate level of originality in their application of knowledge


• organise and present their material to a high standard in accordance with scholarly protocols

Additional outcomes:
The module will also develop the student’s skills of time management and oral communication. They will develop skills of presentation and advocacy in discussion with their supervisor. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and by advanced word-processing.

Outline content:
A subject is chosen by the student, with the guidance of the Centre staff, from subjects offered within the GCMS. As the subjects offered are related to staff research, students are exposed to the most up-to date analyses and gain knowledge of scholarship in the specific discipline or disciplines. Subjects offered in the past have included Chaucer; Dante; the Medieval Book; Romance; Medieval Women; Byzantine material culture; and Arthurian literature. Students may also be trained in a medieval vernacular (for example, French; German; Italian; Welsh; Old Irish; Old English; Old Norse). It is also possible for a subject to be tailor-made to fit a student’s own interests, to provide a foundation for an intended doctoral application. Students may replace one Option by an appropriate module offered within another MA programme.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Introductory orientation sessions in the Spring term guide students in their choice of the subjects to be studied. Students are expected to carry out their own extended searches, and to design their research methodology and the structure of their written work in consultation with their supervisor. Working bibliographies will be presented for comment. Tutorials offer an opportunity for background and contextual discussion as well as detailed analysis of the subjects chosen for research and writte n work.