History and International Studies

Course Content (including module information)

Level 1

Modules at Level 1 offer a systematic introduction to the discipline of History, partly by sampling some of the many different approaches that historians take in studying the past, and partly by an exploration of some of the major questions of theory and method with which they are concerned.

Level 2

Modules at Level 2 are generally survey modules seeking to convey a sense of the principal events, trends and developments in a particular country or region over a fairly long time span. Examples include:

• Greece and Macedon 404-337 BC
• Politics and Society in 20th-Century Ireland
• The American South 1865-1980
• The Expansion of Medieval Europe 1000-1300

Level 3

Taught modules at Level 3 are more specialised, offering the opportunity to study a short period or a particular theme or problem in detail, working from documents as well as secondary sources. Examples include:

• Family, Gender and Household in Ireland c1740-1840
• Popular Culture in England 1500-1700
• The American Civil War and Reconstruction
• The Peasants' Revolt 1381

In addition, Single and (if they choose) Joint Honours students at Level 3 complete a double-module dissertation based on an individually-assigned research topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor.

Some modules, especially surveys, use lectures and tutorials; others are taught through seminars, in which students are expected to come prepared to fully engage in and sometimes lead group discussions. There is also increasing use of web-based learning.

A variety of assessment methods is used, including written examination, coursework essays submitted during or at the end of the semester, oral presentations by individual students or collaborative groups, and dissertations.

Assessment: The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Most modules on this programme are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Some are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction. Further and more detailed information is provided in each module handbook.

Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BA (Hons.) in History and International Studies we set out to do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is normally communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. This enables us to place a growing number of electronic materials (course notes, set readings, and links to additional readings and clips e.g. Youtube). The range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; modules on developing Skills and methods; a growing use of podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.

• Seminars/tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-15 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

• Study Abroad: The opportunity to study abroad represents a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity during your degree programme, Students engaged in the study of History and International Studies are encouraged to make use of such opportunities. Students can spend a semester abroad at a continental university (where the language of instruction is English) or consider the other options for study in North America.

• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

• Dissertation: In final year, you may undertake a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will be assigned your own individual supervisor who will provide advice and support. The supervisor will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you on at least 4 occasions during the write up stage.

Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are all allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. Further details are shown in the section on the Student Guidance Centre.