Students

AHPG889 – After the Roman Empire: Early Medieval Europe in the Time of Gregory of Tours

2018 – S1 External

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Ian Plant
Teaching staff
Nicole Moffatt
Contact via The best way to contact me is by email
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MAncHist or GradCertAncHist or MA in (Ancient History or Coptic Studies)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
AHPG889 2016 S1 External
Unit description Unit description
This unit approaches western Europe in the sixth century, after the fragmentation of the Roman empire, focusing on Gaul (early France) in the 'Merovingian' period, through close study of the "Histories" of Gregory of Tours, the first major Latin historical work of the period. Gregory’s works were immensely significant in shaping European historical and ideological traditions through to the present. Literary analysis is explored as a methodology for the study of historical sources, and a range of recent research approaches to Gregory’s work will be discussed.

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:

  • Critical analysis of historical texts, including analysis of the narrative dynamics of a text and analysis of the interaction of texts with a range of contemporary document text types
  • Understanding of the historical context of texts
  • Application of advanced research skills and methodologies, including deployment of both discipline-specific research tools and online research methods
  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches
  • Application of advanced academic communication skills, including appropriate levels of oral or online and written skills

General Assessment Information

Submission of Written Assessments (Structural analysis, Analysis of book reviews, Research Essay Proposal, Research Essay):

All written assignments are to be submitted via TurnItIn on the unit iLearn site.

__________________________________________________________

Policies on Written Assessment: Extensions, Late/Early Submission, Length

Extensions can only be granted if an application is made through the Special Consideration system.

Late Submission Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Length policy: Essays exceeding or falling short of the specified word lengths will attract a penalty: divergences of more than 10% will attract a penalty of 10%.

Assignment tasks handed in early will be marked and returned with other papers (i.e. not before the due date).

For Special Consideration Policy see under Policies and Procedures.

__________________________________________________________

EXTENSION REQUESTS

Extensions for the written assignment will only be granted in the case of overwhelming personal circumstances or  medical situation, with supporting documentation (e.g. medical certificate, counsellor statement), submitted as a Special Consideration request.  Barring genuine major emergencies, extensions must be sought in advance of the due date, not retrospectively. Bear in mind that all written assessment should be begun long before the due date; generally, an extension can’t be given because of a problem which arises a day or two before the due date.  If it is necessary to request an extension, please submit a Special Consideration request well before the due date.  Generally extensions will be made on a day-for-day basis (i.e. a medical certificate or counsellor statement for three days will be basis for three days’ extension).

Remember that restrictions on extensions apply with a view to fairness to other students who have worked to submit their items within the common restrictions.

Back-ups and evidence of work completed: Where an extension is granted, proof of work already undertaken already may be required.  You should back up your work at all times, with multiple back-ups; claims of loss of work due to computer failure may not be granted if there is no evidence of maintenance of back-up copies.

Please see under "Policies and Procedures" for policies on plagiarism.

___________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT NOTE ON FINAL MARKS

Please note with respect to the marks you receive for work during the session that the marks given are indicative only; final marks will be determined after moderation. See further the note on Results in the Policies and Procedures section below.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Structural analysis 10% No Mon 19 March, Week 4, 9.00am
Analysis of book reviews 30% No Fri 20 April (Recess 1) 5.00pm
Research Essay Proposal 10% No Monday 7 May, Week 9, 5.00pm
Research Essay 40% No Tuesday 12 June, 11.59pm
Discussion Participation 10% No Weeks 2-13

Structural analysis

Due: Mon 19 March, Week 4, 9.00am
Weighting: 10%

Analysis of the narrative structure of Book 3, using both diagram (i.e. a table or chart) and written description.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critical analysis of historical texts, including analysis of the narrative dynamics of a text and analysis of the interaction of texts with a range of contemporary document text types

Analysis of book reviews

Due: Fri 20 April (Recess 1) 5.00pm
Weighting: 30%

Discussion of academic reviews of two key studies.  Full details on iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Application of advanced research skills and methodologies, including deployment of both discipline-specific research tools and online research methods
  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches
  • Application of advanced academic communication skills, including appropriate levels of oral or online and written skills

Research Essay Proposal

Due: Monday 7 May, Week 9, 5.00pm
Weighting: 10%

A plan for a proposed research project.  Full details on iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understanding of the historical context of texts
  • Application of advanced research skills and methodologies, including deployment of both discipline-specific research tools and online research methods
  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches

Research Essay

Due: Tuesday 12 June, 11.59pm
Weighting: 40%

A small research project on an independently-identified topic, once approved by the convenor (see Assessment Task 4), employing approaches, interpretations, and methodologies encountered throughout the unit.  Full details on iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critical analysis of historical texts, including analysis of the narrative dynamics of a text and analysis of the interaction of texts with a range of contemporary document text types
  • Understanding of the historical context of texts
  • Application of advanced research skills and methodologies, including deployment of both discipline-specific research tools and online research methods
  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches
  • Application of advanced academic communication skills, including appropriate levels of oral or online and written skills

Discussion Participation

Due: Weeks 2-13
Weighting: 10%

  Preparation and contribution to regular weekly seminar discussions, including leading discussions in assigned weeks.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critical analysis of historical texts, including analysis of the narrative dynamics of a text and analysis of the interaction of texts with a range of contemporary document text types
  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches
  • Application of advanced academic communication skills, including appropriate levels of oral or online and written skills

Delivery and Resources

Lectures and Discussions:

 Week 1 and part of Week 2 will be lectures given by the Unit Convenor, recorded during the Internal version of the unit, and will be available through Echo360.  The Unit Convenor will record some short sections in other weeks also, which will also be available through Echo360.  The remainder of the classes (Weeks 2-13) will be in seminar discussion format, with all students required to prepare weekly tasks before class and to contribute actively to discussion each week, and sometimes to lead a week's discussion. The Unit Convenor will participate in discussion but will not necessarily lead discussion. 

 Required Text:

 It is essential to buy this book, which will be stocked by the Coop Bookstore on campus:

 ·       Gregory of Tours, History of the Franks, trans. Lewis Thorpe (Penguin; Harmondsworth, 1974)

 If you have a copy before beginning of teaching term, please start to read this text – we will read through the entire text throughout the term.

Please be careful to buy this edition -- there are several other translations available, but they are not the complete text, and it will be difficult to conduct discussions unless all students have the same text.

There is also a Kindle version of this text, which has useful searchable features.  Should you wish to buy the Kindle version, again please be careful to get the Lewis Thorpe/Penguin translation (there are other translations on Kindle also).

 Other useful books:

 The following two items are not required, but may be useful and are suggested for anyone looking for additional unit materials.  The Coop Bookstore on campus has been asked to stock a limited number of copies.  Please note that both contain substantial (though incomplete) translations of Gregory’s Histories.  Although only partial, these translations by Murray are in fact the best English version available.  The first book contains much other material; the second provides a useful 'reader's guide' to Gregory's Histories.

 ·       From Roman to Merovingian Gaul: A Reader, ed. and trans. Alexander Callander Murray (Broadview; Peterborough, 2000)

 ·       Gregory of Tours, The Merovingians, ed. and trans. Alexander Callander Murray (Broadview; Peterborough, 2006)

 Required Technology:

 Students will be required to have internet access to access the iLearn website for AHPG889 and the Macquarie Library Catalogue (MQL; for access to ebooks and other material) and MQL iShare and MultiSearch.

 Expectations of the student:

 ·       Participation in seminar discussions: Students are required to prepare weekly tasks before class and to contribute actively to seminar discussion each week, and sometimes to lead a week's discussion, from Weeks 2-13.  Contribution to each week's seminar discussion is necessary but not sufficient to gain a mark for the ‘Participation’ component of the assessment; active participation, demonstrating preparation of readings and other tasks and informed engagement in discussions, is required to secure a mark.

 ·       Preparation of weekly readings and tasks: Assigned readings (from Gregory’s Histories and other set readings), which will be detailed under the weekly tasks on the iLearn website for AHPG889, must be read and prepared in advance of class each week.

 ·       Assessments: Students are required to complete and submit on time all 5 assignments (in addition to Discussion Participation) listed under “Assessment Tasks” in the Unit Guide and described on the iLearn web site for AHPG889.

 Weekly work:

 Weekly readings and other tasks are described in detail on the the iLearn web site for AHPG889.

Unit Schedule

  •  For detailed weekly schedule, see unit website.

Weekly Schedule

Week 1

Lecture: Unit Introduction

Week 2

Lecture and discussion

Week 3

Discussion: Books 1 and 2

Week 4

Discussion: Book 3

First assignment due Monday: Structural Analysis 1

Week 5

Discussion: Book 4

 

Week 6

Discussion: Book 5

 
 

Week 7

 

Mid-Session Recess: 2 weeks

Discussion: Review

 

Second assignment due Friday of first week of Recess: Analysis of book reviews

 

Week 8

Discussion: Book 6

Week 9

Discussion: Book 7

Third assignment due Monday: Essay Proposal

Week 10

Discussion: Book 8

Week 11

Discussion: Book 9

Week 12

Discussion: Book 10

Week 13

Discussion: Review

Fourth assignment due: Tuesday of first week of exams: Research Essay

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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.

 Specific Policies for AHPG889:

Participation: Students are required to prepare for and participate in all seminar discussions for Weeks 2-13, as set out under "Delivery and Resources -- Expectations of the student" above.  If a student cannot participate, a medical certificate or other documented explanation must be presented to the Unit Convenor. 

Submission of written assessments (Structural analysis, Analysis of book reviews, Research Essay Proposal, Research Essay): All written assignments are to be submitted via TurnItIn on the unit iLearn site.

Late policy: See under "Assessment Tasks: General Assessment Information."  

Length policy: Each written assignment has a set word limit.  Assignments may be submitted with a 10% margin over or under the required word length.  The word length must be included on the assignment.  Assignments either under or over the 10% margins will be penalized in proportion to the amount they are under/over length margin (i.e. for an essay of word length 1,000 words, an essay of 1,400 words is 40% over the limit, 30% over the margin, and so would attract a 30% penalty).

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

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critical analysis of historical texts, including analysis of the narrative dynamics of a text and analysis of the interaction of texts with a range of contemporary document text types
  • Understanding of the historical context of texts
  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches

Assessment tasks

  • Structural analysis
  • Research Essay Proposal
  • Research Essay
  • Discussion Participation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critical analysis of historical texts, including analysis of the narrative dynamics of a text and analysis of the interaction of texts with a range of contemporary document text types
  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches

Assessment tasks

  • Structural analysis
  • Analysis of book reviews
  • Research Essay Proposal
  • Research Essay
  • Discussion Participation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Application of advanced research skills and methodologies, including deployment of both discipline-specific research tools and online research methods

Assessment tasks

  • Analysis of book reviews
  • Research Essay Proposal
  • Research Essay

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critical evaluation of a range of interpretative approaches to historical texts, and application of selected approaches
  • Application of advanced academic communication skills, including appropriate levels of oral or online and written skills

Assessment tasks

  • Analysis of book reviews
  • Research Essay Proposal
  • Research Essay
  • Discussion Participation

Assignment Submission

Submission of written assessments (Structural analysis, Analysis of book reviews, Research Essay Proposal, Research Essay): All written assignments are to be submitted via TurnItIn on the unit iLearn site.

All students must keep a dated electronic copy of their assignments.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
18/02/2018 This guide has been updated to reflect a late change in the teaching staff and the schedule for the unit from Week 7 onwards.