Teaching
The MPhil in Assyriology delivers competence in language and specialist knowledge of culture and history over a relatively short time. All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation. The MPhil in Assyriology also includes taught modules, chosen in consultation with the supervisor according to the student's interests. Students may be required to give in-class presentations.
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding teaching and examination of MPhil degrees.
| One to one supervision |
Supervisions with module coordinators or their regular supervisor give students the opportunity to discuss general and specific issues in the conduct of the course. A supervisor, possibly but not necessarily the same one, will also be appointed for the dissertation, to help with the choice of topic and monitor the progress of the student’s research for the dissertation throughout the year. These meetings provide the student with an opportunity to seek academic information and advice and they provide the forum to monitor students' progress. Students can normally expect to have around 6-8 supervision meetings depending on the nature of their course and dissertation. Supervisions may be held jointly with other students. |
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| Seminars & classes |
Seminars are designed to provide students with intensive engagement with academic staff across a wide range of specialisms relevant to the courses selected. Seminars are interactive, and preparation and participation in seminars are expected of all students. In all taught modules, students may be required to give seminar-style presentations from time to time. Most modules include a number of seminars during Michaelmas and Lent terms. Students can expect around 2-5 hours per week of seminars in Michaelmas and Lent terms depending on their module choices. |
| Lectures |
After an introductory exposition of the grammar, language lectures mostly take the form of text-reading classes. Students can expect around 4-6 hours per week of lectures in Michaelmas and Lent terms depending on their module choices. |
| Practicals |
Some classes may be held in museums, to examine original cuneiform inscriptions. Students taking modules offered in the MPhil in Archaeology may have practical sessions once or twice a term depending on their choice of module. |
| Posters and Presentations |
All MPhil students are usually required to make a presentation on their proposed dissertation topic to staff and peers as part of their Research Skills module. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Equal Taught/Research
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Feedback
Students can expect to receive termly online progress reports. Supervisors or module coordinators may provide additional written or oral feedback on assessed work.
Students are invited to group meetings throughout the year to discuss progress and concerns in order to address issues as and when they arise.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The dissertation is an extended piece of independent, original research. Students work with their supervisor to formulate a dissertation project, carry out research and write it up. The maximum permitted length of the dissertation is 15,000 words.
Essays
Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology are usually required to produce between three and six assessed essays depending on their chosen course of study and the modules they select.
Written examination
Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology may be required to sit in-class tests for some language modules.
Other
Attendance at the relevant Research Skills training workshops is required of all MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology. Its mode of assessment may include a research proposal of specified length, and/or an oral presentation (supported by visual aids) to teaching staff and peers.
The assessment of Intermediate Akkadian may include assessed coursework in the form of a philological commentary and a content-based commentary.
The assessment of Advanced Akkadian may include assessed coursework in the form of a philological commentary and cuneiform copy.
The examination may include, at the discretion of the Examiners, an oral examination on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, and on the other work submitted as part of the examination.