Module leader: Professor Jane Ridley
Winter and Spring Terms (30 units)
For this module, students are required to submit two pieces of coursework:
- an annotated bibliography (20 units)
- a biographical essay styled and modelled on the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography template (10 units)
Training in Research Methods, which is a requirement for British Academy accreditation, teaches the historical and referencing skills and techniques which are necessary for independent historical and biographical research. By encouraging students to compile a bibliography on a biographical subject of their choice, this module also enables students to lay the groundwork for their future dissertation topic. Students who plan to study the MA by Research are required to follow this module, as well as students on the Taught MA. Students enrolling for an MPhil / DPhil in Biography who have not previously graduated from the Biography MA are also required to take the Research Methods course. Through the Research Methods project work students are introduced to a wide range of resources. As well as electronic sources, students gain access to research libraries, either the British Library, the London Library or the Bodleian; they are encouraged to pursue their special interests in specialist libraries, websites, newspapers and local history museums. Students are trained to use archive materials. The use of archive material is not compulsory for the Taught MA, but it is encouraged, while students who take the MA by Research are expected to provide evidence of archive work.
The bibliography project must be submitted by Friday of Week 9 of the Spring Term. A good first draft should be completed by the end of the Winter Term.
The Oxford DNB essay project takes place in the Spring Term. Students are required to familiarise themselves with the Oxford DNB website (accessible via the University website) and to write a comparable essay of 1000-1500 words either on a single subject or on a group biography topic. As well as following the guidelines laid down by the Oxford DNB for composing a biographical essay, students are required to complete Information and Sources sheets.
