Learning at CWS

MA Hints

Q: How are the courses organised?

A: By means of taught modules and an Independent Study Module, which is your dissertation. For students on the MA Women’s Studies, Women’s Studies (Humanities) and the MA Women, Violence and Conflict, you will take taught modules in Semesters 1 and 2, and work on your dissertation in the Summer 'vacation’ ready to submit in September 2024 (full-time students) or September 2025 (part-time students). For MA GEMMA students you take taught modules in Semesters 1 and 2 of Year 1 at your ‘home’ university, taught modules in Semester 1 of Year 2 at your ‘mobility’ university, and work on your dissertation in Semester 2 of Year 2.

Q: How often will I be in class? How much independent study will I be expected to do?

A: In both Semesters 1 and 2 you will take classes two or three days a week (normally two days for part-time students and three days for full-time). You will need to undertake reading, note-taking and pre-class exercises during the remainder of the week (if full-time) or half-week (if part-time). There is likely to be much more independent study than you were used to as an undergraduate, so you need to plan your time well.

Q: How are classes taught?

A: Most classes are taught by seminars. By this we mean that students come together in class having read and made notes on recommended texts and having undertaken pre-class exercises (perhaps a short paper or group work). The group then discuss the session topics in a supportive and enquiring way, sometimes in small groups, sometimes as a whole group. The tutor (lecturer) will encourage and direct the discussion and add information and ideas when relevant; however the focus is on students developing their critical thinking, and not on the tutor telling students what to think.

This way of learning can be quite challenging at first, especially for students used to more didactic pedagogical methods. But do not worry; provided you are willing to study hard we will help you develop the necessary skills for effective learning.

Most modules are taught in seminars, but some by lectures, followed by tutorials. For your dissertation, you will have five one-to-one supervisions with your dissertation supervisor, who will read and comment on your work.

Q: Have you any advice for studying effectively at the start of the MA?

A:

• You will undertake a great deal of independent study, so you need to plan your time well. Make sure you use a paper or online diary, and divide up your time between all your modules.
• Check that you know what you need to do for each session. You will always have some reading and note-taking, and you may also have an individual or group exercise.
• Make sure you access compulsory texts in good time, usually at least a week before the session. We aim to make all compulsory readings available digitally; although many texts are available online, you may have to seek out and borrow printed materials from the University of York library.
• Talk to your classmates in person and online. Discuss your concerns, talk about what excites you, share your books and your ideas.
• If you have studied hard and are still unsure, identify what it is you do not understand and talk to the module convenor about this, via email, attending their office hour or by making an appointment to see them in-person. You are also welcome to contact your personal supervisor to discuss any learning issues you may have.
• You must read any compulsory texts, but you are also expected to read ‘around’ the topic. Get to know how to access online resources and browse the library shelves in person – you never know what you might find.
• You will attend a session early in Semester 1 on using the University Library.

Q: Have you any extra advice for how I can make the most of seminars?

A:

• Be prepared to be challenged and to have your beliefs upturned. Listen to others, and be open and sensitive to those espousing ideas you disagree with. This doesn’t mean you cannot argue, but you should do so in a scholarly and informed way – you may even change your mind.
• Make good notes so you have something to say in class. Be brave and say it! If you find it hard to find space to join in, try interrupting gently with a comment such as: ‘‘I want to say something here’ – this will pause the discussion and give you time to gather your thoughts.
• If you are used to this kind of discussion, make sure you allow silent times for people to think, and for quieter classmates to join in.
• If you find you are dominating the discussion, hold back. You can continue discussions over lunch or coffee, and online.
• Remember to keep to the topic, and to locate your ideas in your reading as much as possible. Experiences and personal anecdotes can be very valuable but must always be used to help develop ideas. You must be prepared for all your ideas to be challenged.

Q: Which modules will I take?

A: All MA programmes allow for some choice and you will be sent module choice information prior to starting your degree. 

• Check the module information that is sent you to by the CWS office and follow the instructions given. 
• During Induction Day (Monday 18 September 2023) you will have a chance to speak with most module convenors who will answer any queries you may have.
• Your personal supervisor will arrange a one-to-one tutorial with you, usually in week one, to discuss your MA course choices.
• You will not need to decide on your Dissertation topic until later in the year.

Q: How is the MA assessed, and what feedback will I receive?

A: All taught modules are assessed by essays, learning journals, portfolios, creative practice, research exercise or class presentation, as appropriate for each module. The dissertation (or Independent Study Module) is assessed by the dissertation itself. There are no examinations.

You will need to complete the assessment after the taught part of the module has finished: that is, for Semester 1 you submit your assignment after the Christmas vacation, for Semester 2 modules you submit your assignment after Semester 2 teaching ends. 

To help you learn how to write Masters level essays, all new MA students submit an essay in Semester 1 for which you receive detailed comments and, if requested, a personal tutorial. This essay is not given a mark, but is to help you improve. You may develop this essay for the relevant module. You will receive written feedback for all assignments.

In order to write a competent essay or other assignment you must participate fully in the whole module to be able to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of broader feminist issues, and you must read not only compulsory texts but also demonstrate wider reading. For distinction level essays we expect you to search out your own material alongside using key course texts.

Detailed guidelines for assessment are made available during individual modules and in the CWS Assessment Policy handbook available to current students on the CWS intranet. 

Q. Any final hints?

A. The MA programmes are demanding of your time, challenging to your intellect and likely to provoke much thought and perhaps emotion about your life-experiences. You will be confused at times as long-held beliefs are contested and ideas of women and gender in different cultures and societies are questioned. Yet, as a previous MA student said: ‘open your mind, work hard and be prepared to have the most stimulating time of your life’.

We warmly welcome you to CWS, and wish you well in your studies.

PhD Hints

Q: How is the degree organised?

A: The main part of your study will be private research on your PhD topic and regular meetings with your supervisor/s. You will also undertake taught modules and transferable skills activities to augment your studies and help you plan your future career, and attend research seminars and conferences to help develop your intellectual acumen.

Q: What taught modules will I take in year one, and how will this be decided? 

A: You will decide which taught modules to audit* in consultation with your supervisor. If you are new to Women’s Studies at York it is worth considering ‘Approaching Women’s Studies’ (Semester 1) and ‘Feminist Research Methodologies’. (Semester 2), however please look at all the modules as others may be more appropriate for you. To prepare for the classes, please read the Introductory Reading List and see our module choices.

*To audit a module means to prepare for and participate fully in all sessions, but to be excused from taking the module assessment.

To read about seminars, see the 'MA hints' tab.

Q: What are the main features of a PhD degree in CWS?

A: The three years (full time) or six years (part time) of a PhD degree vary to some extent depending on topic, disciplinary emphasis, student’s previous experience and the kind of methodology used.

• However, some factors are common to all CWS doctoral degrees.
• The student’s relationship with their supervisor(s) is key to satisfactory research. The supervisor(s) will guide and support you in your research. They will help you plan your research project, and read and edit your drafts, offering advice on content and structure. They will not ‘teach’ you but will offer suggestions for reading, methodological routes, conferences and training courses, and give you hints for developing good work practices.
• All PhD students have a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP) which consists of your supervisor(s) and at least one other member of academic staff, whose expertise is relevant to your research project, from the University. Full-time students meet with their TAP at least once every six months. The first TAP meeting (TAP 1) normally takes place in Spring Term and the second (TAP 2; normally combined with your formal review of progress meeting (see below)) in June. The purpose of the TAP meetings is to discuss your progress and training needs and to give advice on the direction of your research and your professional development.
• All PhD students have two ‘Progression Points’ to ensure you are making satisfactory progress. Formal reviews of progress meetings are normally combined with your TAP 2 meeting and take place on an annual basis in June, for full-time PhD and MPhil students, and on a biennial basis (also in June) for part-time PhD and MPhil students. Full details of the requirements for progression can be found here 
• The broader research culture of CWS is made up of staff and students working on gender research. It is both an informal system of support and a more formalised system of research seminars, skills training and events. By sharing your research and also learning from others who are often undertaking very different projects you will develop not only your intellectual capacity but also good team working skills which will serve you in good stead in your career. You will often find yourself collaborating with others to organise day schools and other events related to your research, and the CWS common room has witnessed the birth of many exciting research (and social!) activities.
• You will also be able to participate in skills training to help you with your research degree and your future career. We aim to equip you to go out into the world after your degree, and you are encouraged to make the most of the many opportunities offered to you while at York. Details of these opportunities will be give on your Introductory Day and by your supervisor, and details of a host of University-wide opportunities are available online.

Be prepared to work very hard, to be challenged intellectually and to have your eyes opened – and to have the time of your life.