Third Year History/Classics?

Idjit

Hi there, I'm a second year arts student studying History and Classics. I was just wondering if anyone on boards who is currently studying these subjects in third year or finished their degree in either/both subject recently could tell me what they are like in third year?
Is there more/less time in lectures or is there a bigger emphasis on working outside college? What is the assessment criteria like?

mickstupp

Did 3rd year Classics last year, not History though. Maybe they've changed the format this year? But last year...

It seemed to me about the same level and amount of work as second year to be honest. Same overall difficulty. Assessment I think has changed a little bit this year, but in any case... last year we had two exam-based modules with an optional essay, same as normal, and one module purely essay based. That was the Anthropology in Antiquity one (easily in my top three favorite modules of my whole degree).

In the second semester it was similar, except that the essay module had no classes. It's all your own work, 5000 words. There will be essay topics to select from, one or two from each lecturer and it's first come first served, only 10 per each as far as I remember. You have your title and a submission date and that's it. However, each lecturer gives a detailed overview of the topic and a good bibliography.

So to answer your question... 1st semester, similar to 2nd year in hours and difficulty and assessment. 2nd semester, 2 less classes a week because the essay module you're all on your own. The other modules, same as usual, exams but with an optional essay. Whether you'll enjoy the modules, I don't know, depends on what you're into. I loved all of them.

As usual, you get out what you put in. Going to all your lectures, you don't just get notes, you learn what areas are of most importance by listening to the stress the lecturer gives to various topics. If you listen carefully you can figure out what's on the exam whether they give hints or not. Counts for second year as well. Going to all the lectures in classics can make a big difference to your grade. It's genuinely a case where getting the handouts off Moodle is really not enough to do well in your exam.

You can see the third year handbook on ancientclassics.nuim.ie - it gives a good rundown of the modules.

Idjit

mickstupp wrote: »

Did 3rd year Classics last year, not History though. Maybe they've changed the format this year? But last year...

It seemed to me about the same level and amount of work as second year to be honest. Same overall difficulty. Assessment I think has changed a little bit this year, but in any case... last year we had two exam-based modules with an optional essay, same as normal, and one module purely essay based. That was the Anthropology in Antiquity one (easily in my top three favorite modules of my whole degree).

In the second semester it was similar, except that the essay module had no classes. It's all your own work, 5000 words. There will be essay topics to select from, one or two from each lecturer and it's first come first served, only 10 per each as far as I remember. You have your title and a submission date and that's it. However, each lecturer gives a detailed overview of the topic and a good bibliography.

So to answer your question... 1st semester, similar to 2nd year in hours and difficulty and assessment. 2nd semester, 2 less classes a week because the essay module you're all on your own. The other modules, same as usual, exams but with an optional essay. Whether you'll enjoy the modules, I don't know, depends on what you're into. I loved all of them.

As usual, you get out what you put in. Going to all your lectures, you don't just get notes, you learn what areas are of most importance by listening to the stress the lecturer gives to various topics. If you listen carefully you can figure out what's on the exam whether they give hints or not. Counts for second year as well. Going to all the lectures in classics can make a big difference to your grade. It's genuinely a case where getting the handouts off Moodle is really not enough to do well in your exam.

You can see the third year handbook on ancientclassics.nuim.ie - it gives a good rundown of the modules.

Thanks very much for the detailed reply, that was very helpful

DB21

Also, if you're carrying history on into third year, I can't recommend doing the HY359 trip to Venice enough if Lederer is doing it again this summer. It's a fantastic experience, if only a bit pricey.