Module Identifier HYM0510  
Module Title SKILLS & SOURCES OF THE HISTORIAN: IT SKILLS  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Owen G Roberts  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Professor Phillipp R Schofield  
Co-Requisite HYM0210  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   4 x 2 hour seminars, 1 hour tutorial  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment ONE SHORT PROJECT: 2,000 WORDS  100%
Supplementary Exam RESUBMISSION OF ANY FAILED ELEMENT OF ASESSMENT   

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
employ a series of basic techniques in a range of appropriate software

recognize the merits of best use of IT and identify associated issues, including poor practice

search a range of on-line sources

support their research and writing with effective use of IT

Brief description

The module employs IT training provided centrally within the University and agreed with Ms Joy Cadwallader linked to a Departmentally-run single two-hour seminar on the use of computing for historians. The final seminar is a `hands-on' investigation of the ways in which historians might exploit IT, including discussion of usable software, relevant sources etc. The seminar leads into a small project, which forms the assessed element for this module.

Aims

Historians at Masters level need to examine many kinds of source material, and to deploy many different skills during the course of their studies. This module is designed to provide specific training for those students needing to make extensive use of Information Technology in either the gathering or the presentation of their research.

Content

Seminars:

1. IT skills - Using electronic searches and digitised sources
2. IT skills - EndNote referencing and working with long documents
3. IT skills - Using IT in the presentation of research
4. Historians and IT: a critical approach (Departmental seminar)

Module Skills

Problem solving Identify problems and factors which might influence potential solutions; develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving; evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions.  
Research skills Understand a range of research methods and plan and carry out research; produce academically appropriate pieces of written work.  
Communication Read an appropriate range of texts; improve listening skills during the seminar instruction, and consequently develop skills in note taking; 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; devise a personal action plan to include short and long-term goals and to develop personal awareness of how to improve on these.  
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 (e.g. short group presentations in seminars); exercise negotiation and persuasion skills; evaluate group activities and own contribution  
Information Technology Use a range of commonly used software packages; prepare and input data; manage storage systems; present information and data; use the internet appropriately and effectively  
Application of Number Some, notably in the use of spreadsheets and databases, where students will be encouraged to reapply simple datasets to develop IT skills.  
Personal Development and Career planning Develop awareness of personal skills, beliefs and qualities in relation to course in progression; plan and prepare for future course / career.  

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7