HIS41910

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completing this module, you will have achieved several critical skills essential for graduate-level study in history:

Deep Reading and Perspective-Taking: You will be adept at delving into historical topics, understanding the nuances, and appreciating the evolving perspectives that have influenced their study over time.

Analytical and Evaluative Skills: You will gain confidence in identifying and summarising main arguments, as well as critically assessing their strengths and weaknesses.

Research and Writing Proficiency: The course is designed to equip you with fundamental research techniques necessary for conducting independent investigations. Additionally, you will gain valuable experience in writing academic history, enhancing your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Overall, this module will prepare you not just with specific historical knowledge, but with the comprehensive academic skills that are crucial for advanced historical research and scholarship.

Indicative Module Content:

1. What is History?
An introductory exploration of the nature and scope of historical studies.
2. The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy (1860)
A deep dive into Jacob Burckhardt's seminal work and its impact on the understanding of the Renaissance.
3. Biography as a Form of Historical Writing
Examining how biographies contribute to historical narratives and understanding.
4. Presentations on First Research Essays (Historiographical)
Student presentations focused on a specific historiographical approaches or topics.
5. The Early Reformation
A deep dive into the competing historical analyses which have sought to explain the success of the Early German Reformation.
6. Anthropology and History: Religious Violence
The extent to which historians can or should borrow from other disciplines. This will includean in-depth look at some key works, including Natalie Zemon Davis' The Rites of Violence.
7. New Directions? The Digital Humanities
Exploring how digital tools and methodologies are reshaping historical research, but also some of the weaknesses of such approaches.
8. Print Culture
The role of print in historical change.
9. Presentations on Second Research Essays (Historiographical)
A second round of student presentations on their historiographical insights.
10. Graduate Research Project Presentations
Final presentations where students showcase their independent research projects.

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

In this module, you will engage primarily in autonomous learning, complemented by weekly 2-hour seminars designed to hone the essential skills of professional historians. Our seminars are interactive and discussion-driven, focusing on developing your analytical and evaluative abilities through several key activities:

Discussion and Debate: Each seminar will actively engage you in discussions and debates on historical topics and interpretations, encouraging you to critically assess and articulate your views.

Student-Led Presentations: You will have the opportunity to lead presentations, which not only help in deepening your understanding of the subject matter but also enhance your public speaking and academic presentation skills.

Active Learning: The course emphasises active, task-based learning where you will apply historical methods to various texts and problems. This approach is designed to foster a deeper engagement with the material and promote a hands-on understanding of how historians work.

Critical Writing: Throughout the module, you will refine your writing skills through structured assignments that require thoughtful analysis and argumentation, preparing you for professional writing in historical contexts.

Reflective Learning: Reflection sessions will be integrated into the seminars to help you focus on your learning process and journey, understand your strengths and areas for improvement, and better integrate historical knowledge and skills.

By integrating these diverse teaching methods, the module aims to equip you with a robust set of skills that are vital for historical inquiry and professional growth in the field of history.

Not applicable to this module.

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

You will receive weekly feedback on your class diaries. You will receive written and/or oral feedback on draft or drafts of essay 1 prior to final submission. You will receive written feedback post-assessment on all submitted work.