CLAS 4001 - Honours Classics Special Studies

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

This course is designed to give students an in depth and detailed knowledge and understanding of specific fields associated with the research interests of a member of the Classics staff or a Classics research fellow. It offers students a chance to take part in small group discovery with specialist teacher on specific, focused topics and to be exposed to the current research and methodologies of experts in the field. Students undertake two studies with two different teachers during the semester. The specific content of the special study courses will vary each year according to the availability of specialised staff and the needs and interests of the students.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CLAS 4001
    Course Honours Classics Special Studies
    Coordinating Unit Historical and Classical Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact 2 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Completed degree (72 units) with a 24 unit major in Classics and a Credit average or better result. Students doing combined Honours (eg with English or History) may be permitted to enrol in this course without a Classics major.
    Restrictions Completed degree (72 units) with a 24 unit major in Classics and a Credit average or better result. Students doing combined Honours (eg with English or History) may be permitted to enrol in this course without a Classics major.
    Assessment Seminar participation (10%), small assessment tasks (30%), research project or long essay (60%)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Margaret O'Hea

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate a specific and detailed knowledge of a research area of a member of staff.
    2. Show proficiency in applying the methodologies appropriate to that area.
    3. Display a degree of intellectual independence by having formulated and addressed a question within that area.
    4. Show a proficiency in the appropriate digital technology for studies in Classics, Archaeology or Ancient History

     



    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2, 3

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2, 3

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    These will vary from year to year and depend upon the staff taking these courses and the reuirements of students. See further MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    This will depend on what Special Studies are offered in any given year. Details will be provided to students at the start of semester 1.
    Online Learning
    See MyUni for online material.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The Special Subjects offer students a chance to take part in small group learning with a specialist teacher on specific, focussed topics. They are designed to introduce students to the subject matter, scholarship, and methodology of key areas, and to develop their research and analytical skills. Special Subjects vary from year to year, according to the availability of teachers and sufficient student interest.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    2 hour weekly worskshop 26 hours
    10 hours workshop prepration per week 130 hours
    6 hours work per week for small assessment tasks 78 hours
    6 hours independent research and writing per week for the research project



    78 hours
    TOTAL 312 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    The weekly seminars introduce students to the staff member’s research area in a gradual fashion. Students’ preparation for
    these weekly seminars will involve evaluation of various sources, enabling them to hone their skills in applying the methodologies appropriate to that area; their formulation of a research topic or essay question will help them to begin working independently. 



  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Course Learning Outcomes
    Workshop Participation Formative and Summative 10% 1, 2
    Small Assessment Tasks (for instance, analysis and evaluation of primary sources, secondary sources or material evidence) Formative and Summative 30% 1, 2
    Research Project or Long Essay Formative and Summative 60% 1, 2, 3
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment formats and due dates depend upon the Special Studies options available in any given year. Some options may not be available due to low student numbers or staff availability. Details will be provided in the first meeting of Honours cohort at the start of Semester 1, since the Special Studies (aka Master classes) do not begin in Week 1.
    Submission
    All written assessment tasks will normally be submitted online via MyUni. 
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M11 (Honours Mark Scheme)
    GradeGrade reflects following criteria for allocation of gradeReported on Official Transcript
    Fail A mark between 1-49 F
    Third Class A mark between 50-59 3
    Second Class Div B A mark between 60-69 2B
    Second Class Div A A mark between 70-79 2A
    First Class A mark between 80-100 1
    Result Pending An interim result RP
    Continuing Continuing CN

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.