HSMBHM-Becoming a Historian: Theory and Themes in Medieval History

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rohan Deb Roy
Email: r.debroy@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Prof Rebecca Rist
Email: r.a.c.rist@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to familiarise students with a variety of branches of historical study, to encourage them to think about the shared and differing concerns and approaches of historians in different areas, and to explore the ways in which historical study in different areas has developed and changed over time. Using a wide variety of case studies drawn from the seminar leaders' own research specialisms, it will ask what assumptions and traditions have shaped historians' approaches to particular historical topics, and whether different types of history and historical sources inevitably call for different methodologies.

Aims:

This module aims to

• Encourage discussion among the cohort of students about historical theories and approaches across historical periods


• Introduce students to a range of historical specialisms and the theories and methodologies developed and used by historians in these areas


• Introduce students to particular skills, primary sources, and case-studies relating to medieval history


• Consolidate and develop students’ academic skills in research and writing

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Engage with different disciplines, methods, and conceptual approaches within historical practice


• Discuss and critique methods, conceptual approaches, and key themes within the historiography of a specific case study or type of history


• Articulate the value of different approaches, including interdisciplinary approaches, to the study of history


• Critically assess the impact of primary sources on the practice of different types of history


• Present ideas and evidence clearly and effectively in academic writing 

Additional outcomes:

This module also develops the students' ability to work as a group and to take part in academic debates and discussions.

Outline content:

The module begins with seminars aimed at consolidating and developing the academic skills needed by historians at postgraduate level, before moving onto sessions discussing theoretical and methodological issues within history, including periodisation and the scale and scope of history. We then consider the ways in which historians of very different periods approach key themes which run across these periodisations (e.g. gender, health and medicine). Seminars then move on to look at areas of historiography and methodology with a more specific medieval focus, and to consider particular types of medieval sources. Over the course of the term students may address topics in economic history, social history, political history, religious history, cultural history, military history, intellectual history, international and imperial history, rural history, gender history, medical history, or other types of history according to staff specialisms. Each seminar will focus on one or two case studies chosen to illuminate the nature and problems of a particular type of history. 

Global context:

Students will consider spatial approaches to history and relevant historiographies (eg Atlantic history) alongside issues of periodization.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Active discussion of readings and ideas presented by the seminar leader will encourage students to sharpen their understanding of the material presented and develop an informed and critical stance about theoretical, methodological, and interpretative issues within the discipline of History. The skills sessions within this module are practical sessions which help students revise and consolidate key skills, while encouraging all students to actively work to develop more advanced skills as historians, in both research and academic writing.  

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	20
Tutorials	1
Guided independent study:
Preparation for seminars	90
Essay preparation	89
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module will be assessed by one essay of 4,000 words. (EXCLUDING bibliography and footnotes/endnotes) to be submitted on Monday of Week 1 of the Spring Term (Full time students) or by Monday of Week 5 of the Spring Term (Part-time and modular students). There is a 5% leeway on the word count before penalties are applied.

Formative assessment methods:

Students are encouraged to discuss their essay plan with a member of staff.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

A further essay of 4,000 words to be submitted by 1st September.

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