HS1JH1-Journeys through History 1:Power and People
Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4
Module Convenor: Dr Daniel Renshaw
Email: d.g.renshaw@reading.ac.uk
Type of module:
Summary module description:
This module offers an introduction to the political and social history of Europe and the world in the last millennium. The module is compulsory for all Part 1 History students on both single subject and joint honours programmes.
Aims:
This module aims to introduce students to some of the major themes and concepts in history from the middle ages to the modern period.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
' identify and evaluate the significance of certain key themes in history
' demonstrate a critical familiarity with the concept of periodisation
' locate and synthesise relevant information
' organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing
' demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.
Additional outcomes:
The module also aims:
' to encourage the development of oral communication skills
' to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations
' to assist students to think quickly on their feet
' to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources and interface.
Outline content:
Pairs of weekly lectures focusing on ‘Power’ and ‘People’ explore the sources of power among dynasties, states and empires, as well as the popular pressures among societies at large. Revolution will be a common theme, tracing developments from riots, revolts, rebellions to full-scale revolutions. Students will also learn to distinguish between medieval, early-modern and modern historical periodizations. In the first half of the term, seminars related to the weekly lecture topics will focus on discussion and analysis of primary sources. In the second half of the term, seminar discussion will focus on historiographical debate, examining and contextualising contrasting secondary studies to explore how, and why, historians’ interpretations of historical topics differ.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
In addition to the series of 20 lectures outlined above, there will be nine 1-hour seminars in the autumn term (weeks 2-5, 7-11) requiring preparatory reading with structured group discussion and team-based activities. All assessment is by written coursework (there is no examination). There will be a primary sources analysis (33%) due in week 5 and a 2,500-word essay on a historiographical debate associated with one of the weekly topics, due in week 1 of the Spring term. Feedback on coursewor k will be given at a supervision meeting early in the spring term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary and students are reminded to email their Journeys through History seminar tutors for help and assistance whenever needed.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 20 | ||
| Seminars | 9 | ||
| Tutorials | 1 | 1 | |
| Guided independent study: | 169 | ||
| Total hours by term | 199 | 1 | |
| Total hours for module | 200 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Written assignment including essay | 100 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One primary source analysis of no more than 1,000 words, due by 12 noon on Monday of week 7 of the autumn term (33%), and one historiographical essay of no more than 2,500 words, due by 12 noon on Monday in week 1 of the spring term (67%). Both assignments are to be submitted via Blackboard on Turnitin. Five marks will be deducted from a piece of coursework which exceeds the word limit by more than 5%.
Formative assessment methods:
Online quizzes and exercises to be delivered via Blackboard for seminar preparation.
Penalties for late submission:
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
- where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements:
Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon on the third Friday of August.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:
Last updated: 30 March 2023
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.