Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27
History is not simply a dry, academic study of the past; it shapes contemporary political, economic and cultural attitudes and is vital to the tourist and heritage industries - one of the largest employment sectors in western societies. This course gives an understanding of the theoretical and practical links (as well as clear distinctions) between 'academic' History and 'public' History. This is done by having students assess how heritage and tourist businesses construct a particular version of the past. Students then undertake another project to present their ‘public’ version of an aspect of History. Download course guide
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
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The course aims to give a greater sense of History as an applied subject with considerable public relevance and socio-economic significance beyond its academic forms. The course looks at the different practices that characterise the discipline of History in universities and in society at large. Students will refect upon and utilise both factual knowledge and generic techniques and genres inherent in the subject of History. By critiquing four academic papers, undertaking (where possible) workplacements, or reviewing how historical topics are selected, edited and packed in non-academic formats, students will gain a deeper knowledge of the many varieties of History which can and do exist. Beside a comparative review of how academic historians practice their discipline in the format of seminar papers/and or lectures, the course will enable students to evaluate how public, heritage, or civic institutions (libraries, archives, museums, History societies, tourist boards etc.) select, construct and present different, but equally valid, forms of History. Students are asked to ponder the wider issue of who 'owns' History and how, if at all, are competing claims to such ownership and practices addressed, mediated, and presented?
This course is not available as a disciplinary breadth option for the enhanced study requirement.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
History and Public Policy Review (1,500 words: 40%)
Reviewing Public History (2,000 words: 60%)
OR
Work placement Report (2,000 words: 60%)
There are no assessments for this course.
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