Introduction to World History
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| INTS4108 | School of International Studies | 4 | 10 | Autumn China |
- Code
- INTS4108
- School
- School of International Studies
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn China
Summary
This module will introduce students to the study of World History. Lecturers are encouraged to use their own research to build weekly sessions that will discuss different examples of historiographical approaches, debates, or case studies in World History. Lectures will introduce the historical background of weekly case studies and some of the most important themes in the relevant literature; while seminars will be based on readings that problematize and encourage further reflection about the lecture content.
Topics will vary from year to year depending on contributors, and this module will not necessarily follow the typical syllabus structure; but some of the themes that may be treated include: periodizations and turning points in World History (including Europe, Asia and Africa); archival work and the study of historical documents; East Asia in World History; early globalization; the history of institutions; cultural, social, economic, and political history; success and limits of global history.
Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Autumn semester. First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.
Target Students
The module is compulsory for students of the MA International Relations and World History.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 6 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 7 weeks
Assessment
- 100% coursework: 3000-word portfolio
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This is a module targeting incoming MA students, including those who do not have an academic background in History. Students will become familiar with the research and methods of different historians in the School, and they will develop skills that are necessary for the study of international and World History across an array of chronologies and geographical areas.Learning Outcomes
a Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of basic chronology in World History
Understanding of the historian’s craft and different historiographical approaches
Awareness of important debates in World History
Ability to distinguish between and engage with colutral, economic, intellectual, social history etc.
Knowledge of case studies from publications of current staff members
Elaboration of ideas for potential research projects with staff members
Developing an understanding of how different arguments are presented, challenge or integrate each other
B Intellectual skills
Think critically and imaginatively about the subject area, especially taking advantage of key scholarly readings and discussions sparked by them during the seminars.
Identify and address key problems in the disciplines involved, with specific reference to the important consequences of different periodisations and terminologies.
C Professional/Practical skills
Oral summary and critical evaluation of weekly seminar readings
Use of different presentation techniques: PowerPoint Presentation, oral presentations, video presentation, written reports
Group work and division of labour in group projects
Written presentations: in particular a portfolio linking seminar readings and corresponding lecture.
Conveners
- Dr Marc Brodie