Certificate of Higher Education in History

Certificate of Higher Education in History
The founders of Ruskin College stated that the College should provide instruction in 'history, modern languages and science, the duties of a citizen and practical industrial work'. The inclusion of history was no accident.

One of the founders was Charles Beard the radical American historian who gave the inaugural lecture at the college in 1899 on English constitutional history. However, the current reputation for the study of History at Ruskin College was primarily established by the late Raphael Samuel, tutor at the college for over thirty years from 1963.

Under his aegis the college gained both a national and international reputation for the teaching of History. History Workshop conferences, which were held regularly for over twenty years, contributed to debates in national and international political life and drew together historical enthusiasts from within and without academic institutions. The History Workshop Journal established by Raphael Samuel and others in 1976 based itself on such a constituency.

From the 1970s the approaches developed by Raphael Samuel based on 'history from below' and democratic scholarship encouraged the engagement with the day to day and intervention in public debates about the direction of history in public life. Numerous published books - both single authored and collaborative, and including much work by former Ruskin History students - further demonstrated the strength of the project.

In recent years this impetus has continued in different ways, particularly through courses positively encouraging links between the academy and popular history which invite personal engagement with the day to day: collections, family history, place and landscape, heritage and museums, history in film and television.

Our history work at CertHE level has continued to be highly regarded by external examiners, universities - which continue to be eager to take Ruskin History students - and former students themselves who readily and enthusiastically acknowledge the role which the study of History at Ruskin had played in their subsequent academic and personal lives.

History students have consistently obtained university undergraduate (and postgraduate) places at highly rated universities. The absorption of ways of historiographical thinking, as taught at the college, has proved to be valuable in both further historical study and in related academic areas.

The College Library has long had a special interest in building and sustaining major holdings in History, including important archival material in British progressive history. Recent bequests have covered rare works by Annie Besant, the archive of Ewan McColl, and of the History Workshop and socialist and radical publications of the 1970s and 1980s.

The library also possesses an excellent journal collection that is updated annually. In recent years welcome additions have included Gender and History, Women's History Review and International Journal of Heritage Studies. Oxford University's library system - to which our students have full access, and which they are strongly encouraged and trained to use to the full - is one of the world's largest and most important resources for archival-based historical studies.

Click here to view the full Public History Discussion Group Programme 2009/10.

Overall Course Aims
1. To develop your knowledge and understanding, intellectual and generic skills in history to a level appropriate to first year degree level
2. To develop your problem solving skills and capacity for independent judgement through practical activities embedded in the four single modules and the double dissertation
3. To ensure you can critically apply different perspectives to the analysis of historical issues
4. Foster self-development and independence of mind
5. Enable you to build on your own experiences and knowledge through your learning.
6. Help you to acquire sufficient self-confidence and knowledge to assist yourself and your peers.
7. Promote and implement good practice in equal opportunities.

Learning Methods and Strategies
A range of approaches will be used to teach the course modules: lectures, seminars and one to one tutorials.
Within classes emphasis will be placed on inter-active teaching and learning. In line with existing good practice, students will be expected to engage personally, in small groups and larger classes with a range of material and ideas.
Students will be expected to engage critically and analytically with written, visual, oral and audio-visual material, including IT material. Students will also be expected to undertake reading and library work outside class hours and prepare and draft weekly assignments.
Ruskin History has a strong tradition of students working together collaboratively and collectively in a range of projects and we expect this to continue.
As part of the course requirements, individual written and oral work will be expected. Students will receive module handbooks that will stipulate course outlines, reading lists and details of coursework and assessment arrangements.

Requirement
All candidates must be able to satisfy the general admissions requirements for Ruskin College. These are: * You should be aged 19 or over * You must obtain medical clearance * You must demonstrate commitment to the ethos and vocation of Ruskin College * You must have the ability to benefit from study at this level Selection interviews are conducted as a two-way process in which you can make an informed decision about the suitability of the programme for you. You will find this process valuable. You will participate in an induction week, which includes sessions on all aspects of the college.