Admission requirements
This seminar is compulsory for all second-year students of the Research Master Classics and Ancient Civilizations.
Description
This course consists of two parts: (1.) writing an article for a peer-reviewed journal and (2.) develop research and presentation skills.
Writing an article for a peer-reviewed journal
As a budding academic you want to see your research published in a respectable academic journal. Whether or not an editor accepts your submission depends on the outcome of a process of peer-review. In the first semester we will therefore first (September) introduce the way in which the peer-review process works and discuss the question of what makes a good academic article. Next, you’ll be asked to rework a paper that you have already written as part of another course into a scholarly article such that it could be submitted to a peer-reviewed scholarly journal. You will do so under the supervision of an expert in your own field. To this end, you should register the topic of your proposed article in Brightspace before October, 1. A supervisor will be next assigned to you.
Develop research and presentation skills
1. Research proposal: In semester 1 (early November), we will prepare you for writing a research proposal that will be based on your thesis research. Before December, 1 you’ll be asked to hand in a first draft of your research proposal which will be discussed in class in order that you may start on your thesis in good time in the second semester.
2. The first part of semester 2 (February/March) will concentrate on academic research skills. Topics will include the writing of a conference abstract, the composition of a professional CV, academic integrity, and the planning of a research career. Students will write a conference abstract (300 words) for which you will receive feedback on the first draft.
3. In the second part of the semester (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! Students will finish their research proposal (1.500 words) for which you will receive feedback on the first draft. The supervisor of your thesis will be the primary supervisor of your proposal (50%). 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 and prepare a paper for a peer-reviewed journal ((± 8.000-10.000 words);
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 learn how to give constructive feedback;
Students will learn how to implement a successful presentation mode;
Students will acquire practical knowledge about the funding of PhD positions, research careers, academic integrity, and the application process for PhD positions;
The seminar brings students in touch with junior and senior researchers and teaches them how to present for and communicate to an audience of non-specialists.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Assessment method
Weighing
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 (50%) and the coordinator of the seminar (50%) will both mark the research proposal (50% of the final grade);
2) The coordinator of the seminar will mark the thesis presentation, also taking into account the final version of the abstract (50% of the final grade).
Additional requirement: the student should have passed the peer-reviewed article (marked by the supervisor).
Resit
There is no resit for the thesis presentation. There is one resit for the article for a peer-reviewed journal and one resit for the research proposal. A sufficient article or research proposal cannot be re-taken.
Exam review
Students will be invited to discuss their results for this seminar individually with their supervisor (research proposal) and with the coordinator of the seminar (thesis presentation) as soon as the results have been published.
Reading list
Not applicable.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal.
Remarks
Not applicable.