Academic Advice in Arts & Humanities
Undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate taught (PGT) students in Arts & Humanities can make an appointment or come to a class with the Effective Learning Adviser (or one of her Graduate Teaching Assistants) to talk about anything related to your academic work. Common topics include:
- academic writing (essays, dissertations, research proposals)
- argumentation
- engagement with literature, referencing and using/critiquing sources
- time and project management
- effective, evidence-based study and revision methods
We can advise you on current unmarked work or past assignments, including helping you in how you:
- interpret the question
- think about your argument
- plan your essay
- research and use your sources
- write and edit your work
- apply feedback
We can advise you within the context of your subject, but are unable to advise on specific content. Similarly, we encourage your ability to edit and assess your work and, therefore, cannot offer proof reading.
If you are a Postgraduate Research student (PGR), you can seek academic advice and support through the Researcher Developer team.
Dr Robyne Calvert
Effective Learning Adviser for the College of Arts & Humanities
Class Timetables
Live Classes (Semester 2)
Mastering Academic Writing & Research
Our Mastering Academic Writing course is for those wanting to fine-tune their academic skills to an advanced level. Note that the series runs in-person throughout January and February, before repeating online in March.
| Date | Time | Class | Class Description | Venue |
| Tue 27 Jan | 13:00-14:00 | Active Reading for Academic Writing | This class explores how to use active reading to develop thorough, critical academic research. | James McCune Smith: 745 |
| Tue 3 Feb | 13:00-14:00 | The Architecture of Writing: Building a Strong Process & Practice | This class helps you design a sustainable writing process by building structure, strategies, and habits that foster confidence and consistency in your work. | James McCune Smith: 745 |
| Tue 10 Feb | 13:00-14:00 | Thinking Through Things: How to Use Objects in Your Research | This class shows you how to research and write about objects—using their material qualities, histories, and meanings as evidence to enrich your research and generate fresh insights. | James McCune Smith: 745 |
| Tue 17 Feb | 13:00-14:00 | Finding Your Voice: Expressing Ideas with Authority | This class explores how to find and develop your academic voice in order to express ideas with clarity and authority, crafting writing that feels confident and compelling. | James McCune Smith: 745 |
| Tue 24 Feb | 13:00-14:00 | Editing Matters: Revising for Clarity and Confidence | This class focuses on practical editing strategies that strengthen your voice, sharpen your ideas, and make your work shine with clarity and rigour. | James McCune Smith: 745 |
| Mon 2 Mar | 16:00-17:00 | Active Reading for Academic Writing (online repeat) | This class explores how to use active reading to develop thorough, critical academic research. | Zoom link |
| Mon 9 Mar | 16:00-17:00 | The Architecture of Writing: Building a Strong Process & Practice (online repeat) | This class helps you design a sustainable writing process by building structure, strategies, and habits that foster confidence and consistency in your work. | Zoom link |
| Mon 16 Mar | 16:00-17:00 | Thinking Through Things: How to Use Objects in Your Research (online repeat) | This class shows you how to research and write about objects—using their material qualities, histories, and meanings as evidence to enrich your research and generate fresh insights. | Zoom link |
| Mon 23 Mar | 16:00-17:00 | Finding Your Voice: Expressing Ideas with Authority (online repeat) | This class explores how to find and develop your academic voice in order to express ideas with clarity and authority, crafting writing that feels confident and compelling. | Zoom link |
| Mon 30 Mar | 16:00-17:00 | Editing Matters: Revising for Clarity and Confidence (online repeat) | This class focuses on practical editing strategies that strengthen your voice, sharpen your ideas, and make your work shine with clarity and rigour. | Zoom link |
Dissertation Classes (for Arts & Humanities and SocSci students)
This course walks you through the process of writing a dissertation for the Arts & Humanities or the Social Sciences. The course consists of a combination of lectures and workshops where you will have a chance to practice the skills you learn.
The series will run in-person throughout the semester, with an additional intensive online option in March.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings)
| Date | Time | Class Title | Class Description | Venue |
| Tue 13 Jan | 12:00-13:00 | Dissertation Topic & Question (in-person) | This session explores how to find a dissertation topic and then turning this topic into a research question you can answer in your dissertation. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Tue 20 Jan | 12:00-13:00 | Literature Review (in-person) | This class focuses on the literature review: what it is and its purpose within your dissertation. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Tue 27 Jan | 12:00-13:00 | Your Dissertation's Methodology (in-person) | This class focuses on the methodology: what it is, what the difference is between methods and methodology, and how to write about, explain, and justify your methodology. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Tue 3 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Using Theory in Your Dissertation (in-person) | This class focuses on the purpose of theory in academia and how to use it in your writing. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Fri 6 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Literature Review & Methodology Workshop (sign-up in advance) | In this workshop you will practice mapping your research to write a better literature review, and how to articulate your methodology. Bring a selection of articles or book chapters you are working or planning to work with. | Click here to sign up (Moodle login required) |
| Tue 10 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Your Dissertation's Argument (in-person) | This class explains how to construct a convincing argument that answers your research question. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Tue 17 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Your Dissertation's Structure (in-person) | This class explains how to ensure your argument connects and links all of your dissertation chapters together within a robust structure. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Fri 20 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Argument & Structure Workshop (sign-up in advance) | This workshop will give you a space to work on strengthening argumentation, structure, and criticality in your dissertation. | Click here to sign up (Moodle login required) |
| Tue 24 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Referencing in Your Dissertation (in-person) | This class discusses why we reference in academia and how to reference in your dissertation. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Tue 3 Mar | 12:00-13:00 | Editing Your Dissertation (in-person) | This class focuses on the editorial process: how to go from a first draft to the final submission of your dissertation. | 256 Fore Hall (Main Building) |
| Fri 6 Mar | 12:00-13:00 | Referencing & Editing Workshop (sign-up in advance) | This workshop will provide a space to practice referencing, using reference managers, compiling bibliographies, and editing checklists. | Click here to sign up (Moodle login required) |
| Mon 9 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Literature Review (online) | This class focuses on the literature review: what it is and its purpose within your dissertation. | Zoom Link |
| Tue 10 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Your Dissertation's Methodology and Using Theory (online) | This class focuses on the methodology: what it is, what the difference is between methods and methodology, and how to write about, explain, and justify your methodology. It will also address the role of theory in your dissertation. | Zoom Link |
| Wed 11 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Your Dissertation's Argument and Structure (online) | This class explains how to construct a convincing argument that answers your research question and how to ensure all the chapters of your dissertaion are working coherently. | Zoom Link |
| Thu 12 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Referencing in Your Dissertation (online) | This class discusses why we reference in academia and how to reference in your dissertation. | Zoom Link |
| Fri 13 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Editing Your Dissertation (online) | This class focuses on the editorial process: how to go from a first draft to the final submission of your dissertation. | Zoom Link |
Essay Writing (for Arts & Humanities and SocSci students)
Our Essay Writing course is designed to give you a step-by-step guide on how to write a successful essay in the Social Sciences or the Arts & Humanities. This course will run once in Semester 1 and again in Semester 2 with both in-person and online options available.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings)
| Date | Time | Class Title | Class Description | Location |
| Thu 22 Jan | 12:00-13:00 | ILOs & Essay Questions | This class covers the importance of Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) and how to deconstruct and interpret essay questions. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 23 Jan | 12:00-13:00 | ILOs & Essay Questions | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Thu 29 Jan | 12:00-13:00 | Researching Your Essay for the Social Sciences | This class focuses on how to identify and review academic literature for your essay specifically in the Social Sciences. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 30 Jan | 12:00-13:00 | Researching Your Essay for the Social Sciences | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Thu 5 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Researching Your Essay for the Arts & Humanities | This class focuses on how to identify and review academic literature for your essay specifically in the Arts & Humanities. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 6 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Researching Your Essay for the Arts & Humanities | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Thu 12 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Planning Your Essay | This class explores how to create an effective plan to write your essay assignments successfully. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 13 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Planning Your Essay | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Thu 19 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Building Your Essay's Argument | This class discusses the main distinctive features of an academic argument. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 20 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Building Your Essay's Argument | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Thu 26 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Structuring Your Essay | This class explores different ways to structure your essay to make sure it is organised around a central and coherent argument. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 27 Feb | 12:00-13:00 | Structuring Your Essay | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Thu 5 Mar | 12:00-13:00 | Referencing | This class discusses why we reference in academia and how to reference your essay adequately. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 6 Mar | 12:00-13:00 | Referencing | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Thu 12 Mar | 12:00-13:00 | Editing Your Essay | This class focuses on the editorial process: how to go from a first draft to the final submission. | Kelvin, 222 Lecture Theatre |
| Fri 13 Mar | 12:00-13:00 | Editing Your Essay | Online repeat | Zoom link |
Introduction to Statistics (Using R Studio)
This series is for any student who will be working with data as part of their assignments, project, or dissertation. It will cover some fundamental concepts in statistics as well as how to use R Studio, a widely used statistical environment, to perform and present analyses. This particular course will be led by the Statistics Adviser. Both online and in-person options are available.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings)
| Date | Time | Class Title | Class Description | Venue or Zoom Link |
| Wed 21 Jan | 13:00-14:00 | Introduction to R Studio (Part 1) | This session introduces students to R Studio, a powerful statistical environment used by many to conduct simple and more complex statistical analysis,as well as produce meaningful and impactful graphs.(Part 1) | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 22 Jan | 10:00-11:00 | Introduction to R Studio (Part 1) | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Wed 28 Jan | 13:00-14:00 | Introduction to R Studio (Part 2) | This session introduces students to R Studio, a powerful statistical environment used by many to conduct simple and more complex statistical analysis,as well as produce meaningful and impactful graphs.(Part 2) | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 29 Jan | 10:00-11:00 | Introduction to R Studio (Part 2) | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Wed 4 Feb | 13:00-14:00 | Descriptive Statistics | This session covers basic statistical terminology, along with measures of central tendency, variation, and position of a data set. | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 5 Feb | 10:00-11:00 | Descriptive Statistics | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Wed 11 Feb | 13:00-14:00 | Probability | This session covers the basic rules of probability, along with some examples of discrete probability distributions. | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 12 Feb | 10:00-11:00 | Probability | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Wed 18 Feb | 13:00-14:00 | Hypothesis Testing | This session covers hypothesis testing, along with some continuous probability distributions used for hypothesis testing. | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 19 Feb | 10:00-11:00 | Hypothesis Testing | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Wed 4 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Simple and Multiple Linear Regression | This session covers simple and multiple linear regression, along with graphical tools to describe said regression. | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 5 Mar | 10:00-11:00 | Simple and Multiple Linear Regression | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Wed 11 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Logistic Regression | This session covers logistic regression, along with graphical tools to describe said regression. | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 12 Mar | 10:00-11:00 | Logistic Regression | Online repeat | Zoom link |
| Wed 18 Mar | 13:00-14:00 | Flexible Regression | This session covers flexible regression, along with graphical tools to describe said regression. | 42 Bute Gardens:915 |
| Thu 19 Mar | 10:00-11:00 | Flexible Regression | Online repeat | Zoom link |
Pre-recorded Classes and Online Materials
These classes offer a mix of online materials and resources you can work through at your own pace. Some are classes held in the previous semester. All contain useful resources, including some recordings of past live classes. Check back regularly for updates.
Advanced Criticality (for Arts & Humanities and SocSci Students)
This course covers what do we mean by being critical in your academic work, a key skill in the Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences. The course introduces you to the key strategies to becoming a critical reader and writer. This course runs in Semester 1, but resources for the following classes can be found on the Moodle page.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings)
| Class Title | Class Description |
| Critical Reading | What does it mean to be critical and how can we foster critical reading when we are researching our assignments or engaging with course materials? |
| Writing Critically about Literature | How can we adopt a critical attitude not only when we read but also when we write about academic literature in our assignments? |
| Using Theory | This class focuses on the purpose of theory in the Arts & Humanities and the Social Sciences, and how to use it in your writing to enhance criticality. |
| Criticality in Argumentation | What are the key elements of a critical argument and how can you make sure you include them in your writing? |
| Reflection | How can you use reflection as a critical tool both in your studying and in your writing? |
Dissertation Classes (for Arts & Humanities and SocSci PGT students)
This course walks you through the process of writing a dissertation for the Arts & Humanities or the Social Sciences. This is aimed at PGT, but all students are welcome. This course meets in-person in June, then repeats online in July, but resources can be found on the Moodle page anytime.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings)
| Class Title | Class Description |
| Succeeding in Your Dissertation | This class introduces advanced academic research and writing approaches and tools to get you started on a successful dissertation project. |
| Organising Your Research | This class discusses how to work with sources for your research. It outlines different strategies to scope, critically review and map the literature or data relating to your research question. |
| Writing Your Literature Review | This class focuses on the literature review: what is it and what purpose serves in your dissertation. It also discusses how your literature review should link to your methodology. |
| Using Theory and Writing About Methodology | This class discusses what is a methodology, the difference between methodology and methods, how to justify your methodological approach and using theory as a methodological tool. |
| Developing Your Dissertation's Argument | This class explains how to construct a convincing argument that successfully answers your research question. |
| Your Dissertation's Structure | This class explores how to link the different chapters of your dissertation together to ensure your thesis is coherent and cohesive. |
| Editing Your Dissertation | This class discusses how to effectively edit and proofread your dissertation, with tips on how to prepare the dissertation document for submission. |
| Referencing and Academic Integrity | This class introduces the principles of academic integrity and discusses how to properly reference your dissertation so that it adheres to these principles. |
Dissertation Writing (for International Students)
This particular course will be led by the team of Effective Learning Advisers for International Students. This class will be held during the summer semester, but resources for the classes below can be found on the Moodle.
> Moodle page for this series (includes slides and any recordings)
| Class Title | Class Description |
| Reading for your Dissertation | This class explores strategies for selecting and completing reading for your dissertation. |
| Being Critical of Literature | This class discusses how to write about academic literature in a critical and analytical way in your literature review. |
| Writing about Methodology | This class discusses how efffectively to plan and write the methods/methodology section in your dissertation. |
| Writing about Data and Findings | This class discusses writing about data and findings in your dissertation and osme elements of presenting data in graphs and figures. |
| Writing a Discussion Chapter | This class explores the aims and writing of the discussion section/analytical sections in your dissertation. |
| Writing an Introduction Chapter | This class discusses dissertation introductions, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. |
| Writing a Conclusion Chapter | This class explores dissertation conclusions, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. |
| Writing a Dissertation Abstract | This class discusses dissertation abstracts, including the aims, what to include, and what academic markers will expect. |
Appointments
Undergraduate and PGT students can make an appointment with one of the advising team (GUID required). The booking diary shows appointments available in the next 21 days only.
All appointments will take place online.
Dr Robyne Calvert
Robyne Calvert is the Effective Learning Adviser for the College of Arts and Humanities. Robyne has a PhD in the History of Art, and has researched and lectured in art, architecture and design history and theory at the University of Glasgow and The Glasgow School of Art for over a decade. She has supervised many UG and PGT dissertations, and has also been a primary PhD supervisor.
Teaching Requests
Robyne is keen to develop teaching collaborations across all courses in Arts & Humanities. To find out what teaching she can offer on your course, get in touch by email.
Research and Teaching
As a Cultural Historian, Robyne's research and teaching interests span a wide range of topics, including: art, architecture, design, fashion, heritage and museum studies, digital and material culture, critical and creative writing, and academic literacies. She received a Pasold Fund PhD bursary for her thesis 'Fashioning the Artist: Artistic Dress in Victorian Britain, 1848-1900' (University of Glasgow, 2012). She is an active public historian, has been an expert on BBC radio, television, and STV programmes, and most recently has been featured on the National Trust for Scotland’s 'Love Scotland' podcast with Jackie Bird. Her monograph, 'The Mack: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Glasgow School of Art' (Yale University Press, 2024), won the Society of Architectural Historians GB Alice Davis Hitchcock Medallion for an 'outstanding contribution to the study or knowledge of architectural history'.
Staff A-Z entry and publications
Room 316
McMillan Reading Room
University Avenue
University of Glasgow
G12 8QQ