Module Identifier HYM0210  
Module Title SKILLS & SOURCES OF THE HISTORIAN: INTRODUCTION  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Owen G Roberts  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Michael F Roberts, Dr Martyn J Powell, Dr Peter A Lambert  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   4 x 2 hour seminars, 1 hour tutorial  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment 1 X SHORT PROJECT OF 2,000 WORDS  100%
Supplementary Assessment RESUBMISSION OF ANY FAILED ASSESSMENT  100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
Recognise, order and review a body of knowledge in the field of historiography and historical methodology

Identify and use in interpretation comparative perspectives on the utilisation of primary source materials

Compare and evaluate a range of approaches to the use of source materials as these relate to the development of a research project

Read, analyse and reflect critically on the secondary literature providing the context for advanced historical research

to work both independently and collaboratively

Brief description

While many students interested in particular periods will want to explore a number of sources particularly relevant for their own research, some approaches and problems, such as the value of a comparative approach, will be common to all periods. This 10 credit module of Masters-level research training is therefore designed to enable historians form all schemes and pathways within the Department of History & Welsh History to explore such common issues in a short series of seminars. The module will aid the students in making the transition to Masters work, and will enable them at an early stage to place their research within a broad conceptual and methodological framework.

Aims

Historians at Masters level need to examine many kinds of source material, and deploy many different skills during the course of their studies. This module is designed to introduce students to the methodological and interpretative issues which are raised when using a variety of source types.

Content

Seminars:

1) Documentary analysis
2) Visual sources
3) Comparative history
4) Cultural history

Module Skills

Problem_solving Develop original, creative and systematic approaches to problem solving; evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions.  
Research skills Understand the development of a range of research methods within the discipline of history; understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research; produce academically appropriate pieces of written work.  
Communication Read a wide range of both primary and secondary texts; demonstrate and develop the ability to communicate ideas in essay; skills in oral presentation will be developed in seminars.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Show awareness of own learning styles, personal preferences and needs; devise and apply realistic learning and self management strategies.  
Team work Understand the concept of group dynamics; contribute to the setting of group goals; contribute effectively to the planning of group activities; play an active part in group activities; exercise negotiation and persuasion skills.  
Information Technology Use various search tools to survey existing literature and sources; use range of commonly used software packages to prepare and present written work.  
Personal Development and Career planning Develop awareness of skills needed to undertake the research project the student has in mind; plan and prepare for future course/career.  
Subject Specific Skills Awareness of the need to place research within the broad context of debates occurring within history as an academic discipline.  

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7