Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
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On what basis do historians claim to 'know' about the past?Why do historians disagree?What exactly is history which is 'out of date'?What is historical evidence?Aside from the area of their interest, can I tell the difference between any two of the historians who have taught me?If you can't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.
Aims
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.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/his-20067/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
analyse debates historiographically: 1evaluate varieties of source material available to the historian and the advantages and problems of using each: 1develop the ability to read and use texts and other source materials, both critically and emphatically, while addressing questions of genre, content, perspective and purpose: 1evaluate the place of heritage in contemporary understandings of the past: 1evaluate differences of opinion between historians: 1
10 lectures, 10 seminars, 20 hours seminar preparation, 90 hours essay preparation, 20 hours lecture consolidation
Pass at level one or appropriate alternative qualifications for visiting students.
Description of Module Assessment
1: Essay weighted 100%EssayAn 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.