HIS-20067: Sources and Debates

School of Humanities

HIS-20067

Sources and Debates

Co-ordinator:

Dr Anthony Kauders Tel:33197

Teaching Team:

Miss Amanda Roberts, Mrs Christine Edge, Prof Karen Hunt, Miss Jo-Anne Watts, Dr Rachel Bright, Mr Craig Doughty, Dr Benjamin Anderson, Miss Julia Lawton

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

2

Credits:

15

150

School Office:

Tel: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for

American Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
American Studies Minor (Level 2)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 2)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Barred Combinations

None

Pass at level one or appropriate alternative qualifications for visiting students.

Description

Most students who read history as undergraduates tend to read one book (at most) concerned with the question 'What is History?', and they usually do this before they have done any real historical research. Thereafter, their training tends to be conducted 'on the job'. If they reflect on the nature, theory or ideology which underpins what they practice, they tend to focus on issues which surface in assessments, learning that writing which is merely descriptive is not rewarded but that writing which is analytical gains good marks. Via the electives website you are asked to choose between medieval and modern history, or between political and social history, where the nature of the historian's work in each case is left as self-evident.

But ask yourself the following questions:

On what basis do historians claim to 'know' about the past?
Why do historians disagree?
What exactly is history which is 'out of date'?
What is historical evidence?
Aside from the area of their interest, can I tell the difference between any two of the historians who have taught me?

If you can't think how to respond to these questions, should you be able to call yourself a graduate in history? This module has been designed to help you to reflect on the nature of the subject in which you are being trained. We believe that history is a distinctive discipline and that you will acquire a deeper understanding of how it is (and has been) practised, partly by listening and reading, partly by practical experience.

To enable students to develop their skills in handling historiographical issues and in source critique, and to give students the opportunity to develop and produce a personal research project prior to embarking on their level 3 Special Subjects.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse debates historiographically. will be achieved by assessments: 1
evaluate differences of opinion between historians. will be achieved by assessments: 1
evaluate varieties of source material available to the historian and the advantages and problems of using each. will be achieved by assessments: 1
develop the ability to read and use texts and other source materials, both critically and emphatically, while addressing questions of genre, content, perspective and purpose. will be achieved by assessments: 1
evaluate the place of heritage in contemporary understandings of the past. will be achieved by assessments: 1

7 lectures, 2 workshops, 7 seminars, 20 hours seminar preparation, 94 hours essay preparation, 20 hours lecture consolidation

Description of Module Assessment

01: Essay weighted 100% (min pass mark of 40)

Essay
An essay of c.4000 words, on a question devised by the student in consultation with their tutor. The essay requires the students to demonstrate detailed knowledge of an historiographical or source-based issue.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.