HS2GPP-Going Public: Presenting the Past, Planning the Future

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Kate Williams
Email: k.r.williams@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with an opportunity to explore public interpretations of the past beyond academia, to work collaboratively with external partners on a group project which involves researching and communicating about history for public audiences, and to develop key areas of employability. This module is compulsory for all Single Subject History students, and optional for Joint Honours History students.

Aims:

This module allows students to reflect on and engage with the issues involved in presenting the past to the public beyond the academic world. It aims to provide students with an opportunity to apply their subject-based skills to a practical project with a Public History focus. This will involve both independent analysis and group co-operation, as well as developing expertise in project-design and time-management. The module also aims to enhance personal career-development by giving students the opportunity to consider future career options in the light of their ambitions, aptitudes, previous work experience, and the transferable skills arising from the study of history at degree level. The emphasis will be on critical thinking, self-reflection and effective career-planning strategies.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Understand the issues involved in presenting the past to the public     


• Conceive and plan a group project


• Bring a project to fruition by organised, collaborative work


• Organise material and articulate arguments effectively


• Evaluate their project


• Display transferable skills within theareas of presentation-giving


• Reflect on the relevance of their programme for future career planning, and think critically about career development and employability


• Recognise and be able to write an effective application informed by their understanding of the recruitment and selection processes.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to enhance both research skills and employability by encouraging confidence in the use of archives, Special Collections, and Careers services, while developing interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, and teamwork. 

Outline content:

Students are required early in the Autumn Term to choose one of the listed projects, on which they will work to a brief from an organisation outside the history department, as a group placement.

Students will be divided into groups, and will work independently and as a group on their projects, producing a portfolio and keeping a log of their activities and division of labour. Group presentations of the portfolios will be given in the Spring term, and will include students’ peer-assessment of their own work and that of their group. The portfolios will be submitted following the presentations. Students will also submit an individual reflective report on their career planning of up to 1,000 words in the Spring term.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This is identified as an independent activity which also encourages both co-operation and self-reflexivity. Students will be expected to make necessary plans and arrangements themselves, with the support of a supervisor. Group supervision arrangements will be coordinated by the module convenor and take place via e-mail. To support the group presentations, lectures will be given, including by outside specialists in areas of Public History, and staff from the University’s Special Collecti ons will be available for advice.  There will also be talks from Careers staff on career planning and application and selection processes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Project Supervision	70
Fieldwork	100
Guided independent study:	20
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	20
Portfolio	40
Oral assessment and presentation	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One reflective career report of 1,000 words (20%), to be submitted via Blackboard on Turnitin by 12 noon on 8th January; five marks will be deducted if the report exceeds 1,050 words (i.e. 5% over the word limit).

One group project comprising a portfolio (40%) and presentation (40%), both to be delivered on the designated date in week 2 of the spring term. For each student, the total mark for this project will be adjusted by a peer assessment of individual contribution.

Formative assessment methods:

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 by a written essay of approx. 2,500 words on an aspect of the issues of Public History to be set by the Module Convenor, and by a resubmission of the reflective career report if necessary. Re-submitted coursework must be 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: 18 September 2023