Admission requirements
This seminar is compulsory for all second-year students of the Research Master Classics and Ancient Civilizations.
Description
1) Research Proposal and Research Skills. The first part of this seminar (February / March) will concentrate on academic research skills. Topics will include research proposals, academic integrity, planning a research career, and writing a conference abstract. Students will write a Research Proposal (1.500 words) in preparation of their Thesis. You will receive feedback on the first draft. The supervisor of your Thesis will be the primary supervisor of your proposal (50%).
2) Thesis Presentation. In the second part of the seminar (April / May) all students will present the topic of their thesis (work in progress). Present your work as if you are addressing a panel of (non-specialist) humanities scholars. Persuade your audience, be enthusiastic, and be clear! We will prepare these presentations by writing a conference abstract (300 words): you will receive feedback on the first draft. The Thesis Presentation (20 minutes followed by discussion) is a compulsory part of the program. The coordinator of the seminar will grade your presentation (50%), while taking into account the final version of your abstract.
Course Objectives
Students will learn how to write a persuasive and realistic research proposal (1.500 words).
Students will learn how to write a clear and persuasive conference abstract (300 words).
Students will learn how to present their research for a general audience.
Students will acquire practical knowledge about the funding of PhD positions, research careers, academic integrity, and the application process for PhD positions.
Timetable
Please consult the timetables on the Classics and Ancient Civilizations website.
Course Load
Course load for 5 EC (= 140 hours):
Seminar (14 meetings) = 28 hours
Abstract (300 words): first version and final (revised) version = 20 hours;
Read other abstracts and prepare comments = 5 hours;
Research Proposal (1.500 words): first version and final (revised) version = 40 hours;
Read one research proposal and prepare comments = 5 hours;
Thesis Presentation (preparation) = 40 hours;
Prepare Response on one presentation = 2 hours;
Assessment method
The final mark for the course is established by the determination of the weighted average of two subtests:
1) The supervisor of the MA Thesis will mark the Research Proposal (50%);
2) The coordinator of the seminar will mark the Thesis Presentation, also taking into account the final version of the abstract (50%).
There is no resit for the Thesis Presentation. There is one resit for the Research Proposal. A sufficient Research Proposal cannot be re-taken.
Blackboard
Blackboard is used for the distribution of abstracts and proposals: students will read the abstracts and proposals of their fellow students.
Registration
Students are required to register for this course via uSis, the course registration system of Leiden University.