HSMTP-History: theory, practice and themes

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

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 differing concerns and approaches used by historians in different areas, and to explore the ways in which historical study in different areas has developed an 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 familiarise students with a variety of branches of historical study, to encourage them to think about the differing concerns and approaches used by historians in different areas, and to explore the ways in which historical study in different areas has developed an 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.

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 in detail changing 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

Additional outcomes:
This module also aims to encourage the development of oral and written communication skills and the students' ability to work as a group and to take part in academic debates and discussions.

Outline content:
The module will introduce the students to case studies and to thinking about the practice and theory of history, in 9 different types of history. An introductory seminar will discuss the theory of history and the nature of historical practice, and set up the questions of historiographical development and specialised methodologies which will be explored in the following seminars. 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, 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. Over the course as a whole, students will analyse primary sources, secondary literature, and methodological and theoretical material.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The course is taught through seminars involving readings of primary and secondary material relating to case studies in particular types of history, in addition to readings on conceptual, historiographical or methodological questions as appropriate. Where appropriate, seminars will be jointly taught by two members of staff, focusing on different case studies or concerns within one type of history, to encourage students to engage with multiple approaches and to question the relationship between d isciplines within history and particular methods or approaches.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	20
Guided independent study:	180
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

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:
n/a

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