Module manager: Samuel Gartland
Email: s.d.gartland@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module offers students the opportunity to undertake advanced, in-depth study of a defined “special theme” in Classics and Ancient History, working closely with a subject specialist. Each year, a number of themed variants of the module will be available, reflecting the School’s research expertise and building on existing provision in areas such as ancient literature, history, archaeology, material culture, or reception. Depending on the special theme chosen, students will attend relevant lectures, agreed with their supervisor, to support their independent research. Students will engage with the core teaching materials and resources associated with their chosen theme, but the module is delivered at MA level through a supervision-led model that emphasises guided independent research, critical discussion, and sustained scholarly enquiry. Under academic supervision, students develop a focused programme of reading and research and produce an extended piece of written work addressing a coherent research problem or thematic question. The module is designed for students who wish to pursue specialist interests in depth, strengthen their advanced research and writing skills. Where a student takes both Classics Special Theme 1 and Classics Special Theme 2, each enrolment must be based on a substantively different approved topic, text, corpus, or methodological focus. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module aims to enable students to pursue advanced, in-depth study of a defined specialist theme in Classics and Ancient History through a supervision-led model of learning. It is designed to support the development of independent postgraduate research practices, including the formulation of focused research problems, the construction of sustained programmes of reading, and the critical analysis of primary sources and modern scholarship. Through guided independent study, structured discussion, and academic supervision, students will develop specialist knowledge within their chosen theme, refine methodological and interpretative approaches appropriate to the field, and produce extended written work demonstrating advanced critical engagement.
1. Apply advanced specialist knowledge of a defined thematic field in Classics and Ancient History through sustained engagement with relevant primary sources and modern scholarship.
2. Critically analyse and interpret primary evidence (textual, material, visual, or documentary) using methodological approaches appropriate to the chosen theme.
3. Evaluate and synthesise relevant scholarly debates and historiographical approaches within the chosen thematic field.
4. Formulate and investigate a focused research problem or thematic question appropriate to postgraduate-level study.
5. Produce sustained postgraduate-level written work that communicates a coherent argument through critical engagement with evidence and scholarship.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 284 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback through scheduled supervision meetings, and guided independent study. These provide opportunities to discuss reading, refine research questions, and receive feedback on developing ideas and draft work. Ongoing supervisory feedback supports students’ academic progress and the development of their supervised research project.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team