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HIS-40002 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2021/22 Last Updated: 16 February 2022

HIS-40002 - Approaches to historical research
Coordinator: Rachel K Bright Tel: +44 1782 7 33466
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

In this module, students consider two broad questions which will help them plan and prepare their dissertation: What methodological approach may best suit my project? What, if any theories may suit my project?
In order to answer these questions, students will be introduced to different approaches to the research and writing of history, engage with debates on the status of historical knowledge, and examines the sources and resources available. The module aims to broaden students¿ understanding of methodological debates within history and to provide conceptual and other tools for their own research work. The core seminars are led by specialists within the department and are open to all postgraduates in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Throughout, students are encouraged to reflect on the relevance of the material under consideration to their own research topic.

Aims
- introduces different approaches to the research and writing of history
- engages with debates on the status of historical knowledge
- examines the sources and resources available.
- broadens students¿ understanding of methodological debates within history
- provides conceptual and other tools for their own research work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate familiarity with different approaches to the research and writing of history: 1,2
Engage with debates on the status of historical knowledge: 1,2
Examine the sources and resources available to do the dissertation, especially relating to methodology and theory: 1,2
Demonstrate a firm understanding of methodological debates within history: 1,2
Demonstrate a firm understanding of the conceptual and other tools available for their own research work: 1,2

Study hours

11 x 2-hour seminars
2 research seminars at Keele of c.2 hours each.
66 hours for weekly class preparation
208 hours for researching, preparing and writing assessments


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 70%
3000 words
The topic of this essay is flexible, and should be decided through discussion with your supervisor and module convener. Below are suggestions, although this should be treated as guidance, not definitive instruction. Students may: - Reflect on one or two methodologies covered in the module and relate them to their intended dissertation topic (methodology includes sources themselves and frameworks of interpretation). - If you are not yet sure of your dissertation¿s topic, especially if you are a part-time student, you can explore a particular aspect of historical methodology or theory which interests you and may later be useful. - You may also use the essay as a feasibility study for a particular topic, identifying potential sources and identifying relevant methodologies and if there are any potential issues.

2: Presentation weighted 30%
Presentation (c.10 minutes)
All students give a presentation in Week 12. This presentation is your chance to reflect on the key module and research seminar themes, and explain why the chosen theories or methodological approaches relate to your dissertation topic. There will be time for questions at the end. PowerPoint is not required but is recommended.

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 16 February 2022