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HI3540: THINKING HISTORY (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:33


Course Overview

This course looks at how history is written. It considers the problems involved in studying and explaining the past, and the many dilemmas faced by historians in reconstructing it. By examining the ways in which history has been written from the Ancient Greeks to Postmodernism, it considers the limits of historical study, asks whether history can ever be a science, and reveals the assumptions behind the various approaches to history that inform its writing. It is designed to provide honours history students with an essential understanding of what they are doing when they study history. For further information please see course guide.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Andrew Blaikie

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course introduces students to how Clio, the Muse of History, has inspired historians to carry out their craft ever since the invention of history as a discipline two and a half thousand years ago. Students examine how and why the way historians have approached the past has evolved over time. In this course, student also practice a number of approaches to the study of history themselves. The course also encourages students to debate the ways in which historical awareness makes an essential contribution to informed and active citizenship.

Further Information & Notes

This module is available to students on all non-History degree programmes as a Discipline Breadth course for the enhanced study requirement. However, the admission of students with a non-History degree intention will be at the discretion of the School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Continuous Assessment (40%) – in the form of one 2,500-3,000 word essay; and 1 x 3 hour exam (60%)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

Orally through seminar group leaders.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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