Prospects for Classicists and Ancient Historians

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
A module designed to foster reflective and employability skills.

Aims:
At the beginning of their second year of undergraduate study, this module gives students an opportunity to reflect on their degree programme so far and to make plans and set targets for the rest of their degree and beyond. The module aims to recognise and enhance the employability of our students. It develops knowledge of the career opportunities that are available to graduates in Classics and Ancient History, and the skills to make effective job applications.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Students who complete the module successfully will be able to:
? practise careers-information retrieval, research and decision making skills, using a variety of sources (including the Internet and, where appropriate, interviews);
? write an effective, targeted curriculum vitae informed by their understanding of the recruitment and selection processes;
? identify, analyse and articulate the skills and interests they have gained from their undergraduate studies and set them in the context of career decision-making.
Additional outcomes:
Students will:
? develop understanding of broad trends in the graduate labour market and the personal attributes and achievements that employers require;
? develop oral communication skills through group discussion and practical exercises;
? develop IT and information handling skills through using the Internet.

Outline content:
The module consists a series of thematic sessions intended to foster a reflection on the degree and its prospects, the place of the discipline in the modern world, learning strategies for Parts 2 and 3 to aid with specific skill acquisition and employability in given sectors, as well as talks from recent graduates and from members of the University?s Careers, Placement and Experience Centre.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will comprise four, two-hour lectures/seminars, held in weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7 of term. Sessions will be based on a combination of information about various areas,and discussions in groups under the direction of the lecturer. Students will be expected to do a certain amount of individual research.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 8
Guided independent study- 92
Total hours by term- 100
Total hours for module- 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written assignment including essay- 100%

Other information on summative assessment:
The module will be assessed by two written exercises:
1.EITHER A job study (c. 1000 words) combined with a CV
OR
An application to work on a specific project within an institution, accompanied by a CV.

The first assessment is worth 50% of the module mark and is due by 12 noon on Monday of Week 8 of Autumn term.

2 EITHER.A plan for an undergraduate module, incorporating the design of a topic not currently or recently taught, the creation of a schedule of lectures and seminars, a short module bibliography, and a reflection on how the design of the module relates to the aims and learning outcomes defined in Classics Department degree programme specifications;
OR
A detailed self-assessment of the student?s progress within his/her degree to date, drawing on previous essay and exam grades and feedback in order to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement or development and including an action plan for tackling these.

The second assessment is worth 50% of the module mark and is due at 12 noon on the first day of Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:
Students will also have the opportunity of a one-to-one session with a careers adviser.

Length of examination:
n/a

Requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework in August.