What is the historian’s project? What questions, assumptions and blind spots have shaped the discipline? In this module, students will examine how the study of history has changed over the course of the modern era and come to understand some of the approaches which make the historical profession a vibrant area of scholarly inquiry. You will focus on some of the foundations of the field, marrying theoretical approaches with key texts to see how the discipline has developed. Students will also think broadly about the kind of historian they are, the approaches that most interest them, and examine how historians approach their projects, so that they might develop a project of your own.
Lecture/Seminar 32
1,000 words Book Review. Assessment Details: Analyse and summarise a single-authored monograph relating to one of the weekly topics, broadly construed. worth 30%.
20 minute presentation, with presentation slides. Presentation. Assessment Details: Organise, singly or in a group, a presentation introducing the week’s topic, to provide context and insight for the seminar. worth 20%.
2,500 words Essay. Assessment Details: Historiographical essay relating to a topic of interest, or connected to a student’s final dissertation project. worth 50%.
Reassessment Method: Single Instrument 100% written assessment / essay (2,500 words)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the historiographical foundations of the historical discipline.
2) Comprehensively apply techniques in the study of historiography to develop skills of analysis and critical thinking about sub-fields in modern historical research.
3) Apply knowledge originally and with reference to the development of their own research agenda.
4) Individual and/or collectively review, deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and make sound judgements in the formulation and articulation of position or argument.
5) Effectively communicate information, ideas, and interpretations concerning scholarly debates using written and visual primary evidence and to a variety of audiences.
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