HS1JH2-Journeys through History 2: Culture and Concepts'

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Anne Lawrence
Email: a.e.mathers-lawrence@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module offers an introduction to the cultural history of Europe and the world in the last millennium, and to important concepts used by historians. 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 major historical ideas, beliefs and knowledge systems and to show how these are exemplified in material culture, with reference to artefacts, art, literature, music and media.

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 ideas in history


• demonstrate a critical familiarity with the concept of the historicity of ideas and beliefs


• be able to assess, evaluate and interpret artefacts and other instances of material culture in relation to contemporary ideas, beliefs and knowledge systems


• locate and synthesise relevant information


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing


• acquire skills in the visual presentation of materials by poster or online post.

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:

This module provides a basic introduction to the intellectual and cultural history of Europe and the wider world in the last millennium. Lectures and seminars in the first half of the term will consider key aspects of medieval, early modern and modern culture. The lectures will show how cultural products provide evidence of the concerns and social relations of past societies.  Seminars will focus on selected types of evidence, and the ways in which they can be used by historians. The second half of the term focuses on concepts, with two concepts being addressed in lectures each week, followed by a seminar in which the two concepts are discussed in relation to each other (e.g. Magic and Medicine, Childhood and Gender, Democracy and Nation, Science and Race).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

There will be 20 bi-weekly lectures across the term, and ten 1-hour seminars requiring preparatory reading and research, with on-line exercises; on-line group discussion; team-based activities. No lectures or seminars will take place in Week 6. Feedback on coursework will be given early in the Summer term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary in office hours and students are reminded to email their Culture and Concepts seminar tutors for help and assistance whenever needed.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		21
Seminars		10
Tutorials		1	1
Fieldwork		8
Guided independent study:		159
Total hours by term		199	1
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• One 2,000-word group project due by 12 noon on Monday of week 7 of the spring term (50%), and one 2,000-word essay due by 12 noon on Monday of week 1 of the summer term (50%). 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 Blackboard-based exercises to prepare for seminars.

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.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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