Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Lea Beness lea.beness@mq.edu.au Contact via lea.beness@mq.edu.au W6A 523 By appointment
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to BAncHist and 39cp
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description Students will undertake extended research on a topic arising from an AHIS unit which they have previously completed, and produce a research project which will be presented orally at a unit mini-conference and as a written paper (2500-3000 words). In preparation for the larger research project students will submit an annotated bibliography and research plan together with a review of a book relevant to the project. Students must contact the unit convenor by the first week of the session to obtain approval for their topic.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

General Assessment Information

Submission of Assignments:

All written work will be assessed by your supervisor and must be submitted through the AHIS350 iLearn site.

Note that you should always keep a copy of completed tasks in case of loss.

Grading:

The grade a student receives will signify their overall performance in meeting the learning outcomes of the unit. Grades will not be awarded by reference to the achievement of other students nor allocated to fit a predetermined distribution. In determining a grade, due weight will be given to the learning outcomes and level of the unit. Markers in the unit will use the following grades:

HD = High Distinction 85–100

D = Distinction 75–84

Cr = Credit 65–74

P = Pass 50–64

F = Fail 0–49

Marking rubrics will be used in this unit.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Bibliography and Research Plan	30%	5pm Friday Week 4 (25th March)
Short Book Review	20%	5pm Friday Week 8 (6th May)
Oral Presentation	15%	Wednesday of Week 13 (8 June)
Written paper	35%	5pm Friday Week 13 (10 June)

Bibliography and Research Plan

Due: 5pm Friday Week 4 (25th March)
Weighting: 30%

Students are to submit an annotated bibliography of modern works on their chosen area of research together with a research plan (of no more than 300 words) outlining the proposed research project. The annotations and research plan should not be more than 1500–2000 words overall.

For the annotated bibliography students should provide a few sentences describing and/or analyzing the contents of each bibliographical item. It is recommended that students aim to find ca. 10–15 bibliographical items. (Please note that the citation of the bibliographical item itself isn’t included in the word count.)

The choice of items for your bibliography and the nature of your research plan should be discussed with your supervisor.

It is due to be submitted by 5pm on Friday of Week 4 (25th March).

On successful completion you will be able to:

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;

Short Book Review

Due: 5pm Friday Week 8 (6th May)
Weighting: 20%

Students are to submit a short (500–750 words) review of a book or major article (30+ pages) which is central to their chosen field of study. The choice of book or article should be discussed with your supervisor.

It must be submitted by 5pm on Friday of Week 8 (6th May).

The book review should start with the full bibliographical details of the work under review.

It should

(i) identify two or three of the most central points in the book (or major article) chosen and;

(ii) discuss how far the author has derived them from the ancient sources.

Students might address the following (where relevant):

How successful do you think the work is in terms of the arguments raised?

What could have been done differently, and why?

Does the work have any flaws? If so, what are they?

Further guidelines and examples of scholarly reviews may be found on the unit's iLearn website. Students may also find the reviews in the Bryn Mawr Classical Review: <http://bmcr.brynmawr.edu/> helpful.

On successful completion you will be able to:

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;

Oral Presentation

Due: Wednesday of Week 13 (8 June)
Weighting: 15%

A 15 minute presentation of the results of your research will occur at the unit mini-conference on the Wednesday of Week 13 (8th June) and accounts for 15% towards your final grade.

Attendance at the mini-conference (8th June, 9am–5pm) is compulsory.

Student papers will be 15 minutes in length. 5 minutes will be allocated for questions from peers and staff in attendance. All students are expected to participate in this regard.

The mini-conference will be held in the Ancient History Documentary Research Centre Seminar Room (W6A Room 309). There will be facilities for PowerPoint presentations if students wish to use them. Students may also wish to produce an accompanying handout.

The presentation will be assessed in terms of its content and delivery and the way in which paper givers respond to questions. Students should endeavour to present their work clearly and in a way which is accessible to non-specialists in the area. It is also important to adhere closely to the allocated time. (Any problems of this nature may be averted by reading your paper aloud and timing it beforehand.)

Students are asked to submit their draft notes for the oral presentation on the iLearn site (Assessment 3) by 11.59pm on June 8th. These notes will not be assessed but supervisors will provide comments and a mark for the oral presentation relating to the notes.

It is the responsibility of students to make sure that they invite supervisors to attend their paper and advise them of the relevant time and location.

On successful completion you will be able to:

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Written paper

Due: 5pm Friday Week 13 (10 June)
Weighting: 35%

Students are to submit an essay on a chosen research topic between 2,500–3,000 words in length.

It must be submitted by 5pm on Friday of Week 13 (10th June).

Students are expected to meet regularly with supervisors to discuss progress on the research paper throughout the session.

The mode of desired referencing for written papers will be found on the Department of Ancient History website. Under 'Teaching Materials’: <http://mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_ancient_history/teaching_materials/>, you will find 'Essay Presentation Guides'. Go to 'Full Version (recommended for 200–level and above)'.

Please note that footnotes and bibliography are not included in the word count.

On successful completion you will be able to:

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

There will be three meetings in this unit. There will be two short meetings in Weeks 1 and 7. The first one will be organizational (no preparation is required) and the second one is intended for students to meet and discuss any issues which might have arisen in the course of their research. Attendance at the mid-session meeting is optional. Students will be informed of the dates and times of these meetings via an Announcement on the unit's iLearn site. Attendance at the mini-conference held on the Wednesday of Week 13 (8th June) is compulsory. Students should consult with their supervisors about their research on a regular basis.

Required Reading and Texts

Students should consult with their supervisors regarding required and recommended reading.

Technology used and Required

The unit has an iLearn page which can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/.

PC and internet access are therefore required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement. Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements.

Examinations

Please note that there are no examinations in this unit.

Satisfactory Completion of Unit

A student is required to undertake all forms of assessment and achieve an overall mark of 50% or above to complete the unit satisfactorily.

Unit Schedule

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Short Book Review
Oral Presentation
Written paper

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Bibliography and Research Plan
Short Book Review
Oral Presentation
Written paper

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Oral Presentation
Written paper

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Bibliography and Research Plan
Short Book Review
Oral Presentation
Written paper

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Bibliography and Research Plan
Short Book Review
Oral Presentation
Written paper

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

acquire knowledge of historical developments and historiography relevant to chosen topic;
demonstrate skill in evaluating ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level;
formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Bibliography and Research Plan
Short Book Review
Oral Presentation
Written paper

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
develop sophisticated research skills and an ability to manage an extended research and writing project;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Bibliography and Research Plan
Short Book Review
Oral Presentation
Written paper

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Oral Presentation
Written paper

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level;
reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment tasks

Oral Presentation
Written paper

Changes from Previous Offering

An extra (optional) meeting to discuss work in progress has been added in Week 7 as a result of student feedback in the last offering of the unit.

Further guidelines on the book review will also be available on the iLearn site.

Assignment Submission and Extensions

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

Assignments must be submitted through the unit's iLearn website.

EXTENSIONS AND LATE WORK

Extensions for assignments can only be granted for medical reasons or on compassionate grounds. Without documentation (medical or counselling certificates) or prior staff approval, a penalty of 2% a day, including weekends, will be applied. If required, applications for extensions should be made to the course convenor before the assignment's due date.

NB You should always keep a copy of completed tasks in case of loss.

Disruption to Studies

DISRUPTION TO STUDIES POLICY

<http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html>

This Policy applies only to serious and unavoidable disruptions that arise after a study period has commenced. Such disruptions commonly result from personal, social or domestic circumstances and may include illness (either physical or psychological), accident, injury, societal demands (such as jury service), bereavement, family breakdown or unexpected changes in employment situations.

Notification of Disruption to Studies

In order to support students who have experienced serious and unavoidable disruption, the University will provide affected students with an additional opportunity to demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes of a unit.

An additional opportunity provided under such circumstances is referred to as Special Consideration. Special Consideration will be granted after careful evaluation of evidence supporting a notification for disruption to studies.

DISRUPTION TO STUDIES NOTIFICATION

It is a student’s responsibility to notify the University of their circumstances. All students of the University have the right to provide notification of a disruption to studies.

A student may notify the University of a disruption to their studies regardless of whether the disruption meets the serious and unavoidable criteria.

To be eligible for Special Consideration, a student must notify the University of a serious and unavoidable disruption within five (5) working days of the commencement of the disruption (Disruption to Studies notification).

All Disruption to Studies notifications are to be made online via the University’s Ask MQ system.

Students granted a Disruption to Studies may by awarded an Incomplete Grade in first session results released in mid-July.