HST6801 Research Skills for Historians 2023-24
15 credits, Semester one
Module leader 2023-24: Esme Cleall
Listed on all history MA programmes. Not available to students outside History.
Module summary
This module is designed to equip you with the research skills necessary for independent investigation and further study in History. You will discuss the changing nature of the historical discipline as it has adapted to interdisciplinary impulses, and the skills needed for a more refined analysis of both textual and visual primary sources.
In Masterclasses taught by specialists, you will familiarise yourselves with the possibilities associated with different types of primary sources (e.g. the press, oral history). Additional classes will help you work more effectively with library collections and develop subject-specific as well as generic IT skills (locating information in databases, using web-based resources, advanced bibliographical management).
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, you will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of methodological approaches to historical research, and an ability to reflect on these
Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of bibliographical tools (on paper and in electronic form) for the location of primary and secondary source materials
Demonstrate the ability to locate and critically evaluate archival, printed or electronic source-material for the investigation of specific historical questions
Demonstrate the ability to locate and critically evaluate the scholarly merits of electronically available source materials for their own field of study
Assessment methods
Assessment type - % of final mark
3000 word essay - 100%
You will complete a 3000 word essay on a topic related to one of the module's key themes. You will define your own essay topic in discussion with your tutor.
Additional learning and teaching information
Teaching and indicative seminar plan:
The module will be taught in six, two-hour classes on subjects that include: interpreting textual and visual sources, the relationship between history and other disciplines such as anthropology, and writing academic text. There will also be the opportunity to sign up to masterclasses led by members of academic staff in History with specialist interest in particular kinds of primary source.
You will be given preparation for each of the seminars which, though not assessed, will form the basis of small-group discussion and will contribute to the achievement of the learning outcomes. The emphasis throughout is on the acquisition and enhancement of specific skills.
You will also have individual tutorial contact with the module tutor in order to discuss your assessment for this module.
Selected reading:
Miriam Dobson and Benjamin Ziemann, eds., Reading Primary Sources: The Interpretation of Texts from Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century History (London: Routledge, 2009) [eBook]
Karen Harvey, ed., History and Material Culture: A Student's Guide to Approaching Alternative Sources (London: Routledge, 2009) [eBook]
Sarah Barber and Corinna Peniston-Bird, eds., History Beyond the Text: A Student's Guide to Approaching Alternative Sources (London: Routledge, 2009)