Learning History (20 Credits)

Code

HIST1001

School

History

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module will provide students with the learning skills and concepts necessary to make the most of their studies in History. It concentrates upon their conceptions of the subject and their strategies as learners, in order to enable them to monitor and develop their skills and understanding more effectively. Students will be introduced to different approaches to the study of History as well as to different understandings about the purpose of History. The module aims to encourage more effective learning in History, bridge the transition from school or college to university, prepare students for more advanced work in the discipline at Part I, and enhance the skills listed.

Target Students

1st-year Single and Joint Honours History students and Liberal Arts students

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 20 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 20 weeks

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 1 x group essay
• 40% Coursework 2: 1 x group Poster presentation and Portfolio
• 10% Coursework 3: 1 x Individual written reflection submitted as part of portfolio

Assessed in both autumn & spring semest

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

a. Knowledge and understanding: 

• reflecting critically on the nature of history as a discipline

• explaining and interpret the motives, interests and ideologies which had an impact on the outcome of the events, historical sources or historical interpretations on which their project focuses

• evaluating the complex and diverse nature of human societies in the past and assess the interplay between continuity and change in their chosen period

• demonstrating an awareness of the variety of perspectives adopted by historians working in the relevant field

b. Intellectual skills: 

• thinking critically and imaginatively about the subject matter

• reading historical texts critically

• constructing coherent and independent arguments on the subject matter

• thinking critically and imaginatively about the past

• identifying and engage with key problems in history

• evaluating competing historical interpretations

• forming coherent historical arguments demonstrating an independent perspective on relevant issues

c. Professional/practical skills: 

• analysing information and arguments from a range of secondary sources

• selecting, organizing and absorbing information from a range of sources

• identify and evaluate contrasting or contradictory arguments

• working together in a group to plan, research and write up a sustained piece of historical research

• following appropriate conventions in acknowledging sources in footnotes and bibliographies

• use IT to access historical sources and information, and complete historical assignments 

d. Transferable skills:

• enhancing skills in giving an oral presentation

• working and learning actively in a group

• beginning to take responsibility for own learning

• using IT for research and presentation purposes

• undertaking a research project

• identifying and managing large and often incomplete bodies of information

• expressing self clearly, fluently and effectively both in written and oral communications

• working and learning actively with others

• managing and taking responsibility for their own learning

Conveners

• Dr Onni Gust