History BA (Hons)

Module details Programme Year One

• 90 credits of History modules
• 30 credits of optional modules outside History.

These may include Ancient History, Archaeology, or modules focusing on the histories of Ireland or Latin America. You may also choose modules from other subjects.

Compulsory modules

• History Matters (HIST105) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims

  Greater understanding of the nature of History as a discipline and of its current practice

  ​Basic bibliographical skills

  ​Appreciation of the importance of seminar participation and assessment

  ​Development of note-taking and essay writing abilities

  ​Development of abilities to present work orally and to participate in group debate

  Learning Outcomes

  An appreciation of the complexity of reconstructing the past, including the problematic and varied nature of historical evidence​

  An understanding of the varieties of approaches to understanding, constructing and interpreting the past​

• Exploring History (HIST106) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims
  • ​ To undertake a piece of historical research as part of a group
    
  • To develop group skills - in seminar work and in the group project ​
  • To develop skills of oral presentation of research ​
  • ​To develop greater independence and initiative ​
  • ​To encourage students to reflect on the process of historical research and on the issues involved in working as a group ​
  • ​ To develop the skills relevant to the types of employment to which history graduates aspire i.e. team-working, interpersonal skills, self-confidence, oral/visual presentation. ​
  Learning Outcomes ​Knowledge and understanding of the chosen topic.

  ​The ability to develop and sustain historical arguments and utilise evidence.

  ​ An ability to design, research and present a sustained and independently-conceived piece of historical writing.

  An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon contemporary texts and other primary sources.

  ​Greater skill in oral presentation ​.

  ​Greater understanding of project-management and group work.​

  ​Greater skill in collating information, and writing up an extended and coherent report.

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• Religion, Politics and Society, C. 800 To C. 1700 (HIST115) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims

  To introduce students to the history of Europe between Late Antiquity and the Enlightenment

  ​To develop empathetic understanding of the period

  ​To develop critical evaluation of primary sources

  ​To develop an ability to analyse problems, construct an argument and present it clearly in written form.

  Learning Outcomes

  A basic knowledge of the history of Europe between Late Antiquity and the Enlightenment

  ​The ability to develop and sustain historical arguments and utilise evidence

  ​An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon secondary evidence

  ​ Awareness of continuity and change over extended time spans

• Britain Since 1851: Democracy, War, and Modernity (HIST116) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims

  This module traces the inter-connected political, economic, social, and cultural changes which have moulded Britain over the past 150 years. It will provide you with a broad foundational coverage of key themes in the history of modern Britain and thus to provide an appropriate basis for the wide range of more specialised modules on aspects of British history offered in the School of History at Levels 2 and 3. 

  ​It is designed to introduce you to major historiographical controversies relating to modern Britain and thus to the competing perspectives on Britain’s recent past adopted by historians working in different historiographical traditions.

  ​It will also to foster a critical awareness of the sources of evidence deployed by historians and thus to develop your skills in the handling of primary sources.​

  Learning Outcomes The ability to develop and sustain historical arguments and utilise evidence .

  An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon contemporary texts and other primary sources.​
  

  An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon secondary evidence.
  

  An appreciation of the complexity of reconstructing the past, including the problematic and varied nature of historical evidence.
• Politics, Economy and Society In Europe, 1870-1939 (HIST117) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims

  This module aims to provide students with an introduction to continental European history between 1870 and 1939. It broadens their understanding by first considering key factors - such as demography, industrialization, war, religion and political ideology - and then looking at particular events and countries in more detail.

  Learning Outcomes

  The ability to develop and sustain historical arguments and utilise evidence.

  ​ An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon secondary evidence.

  ​ Awareness of continuity and change over extended time spans.

• The Atlantic World Since 1400 (HIST118) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 50:50 Aims
  • The module aims to introduce students to the concept of the Atlantic world  
  • ​Enhance their understanding of non-European societies and cultures
  • ​Encourage them to think beyond the confines of conventional national or continental histories
  • ​Get students to reflect on the significance of underlying historical processes and key concepts
  • ​Develop critical and analytical skills through attention to historiography and documentary study
  • ​Promote the skills of written and oral communication through essay work, presentations, and group discussion.
  Learning Outcomes

  Students who have successfully completed this module should have a critical awareness of the usefulness of the concept of the Atlantic world

  Be able to reflect on the possibilities of academic history to understand the pasts of non-European peoples

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  Be conscious of the limitations of conventional national and continental histories

  Have a broad understanding of the underlying processes that both shaped the Atlantic world and acted to tie it together

  Be able to express an understanding of several key concepts including eurocentricity, Othering, slavery, and globalisation

  ​Have practiced the following skills: the identification and exploitation of the growing number of on-line resources; the critical interpretation of documentary evidence; the critical reading of historical texts in the context of the historiography; oral expression (either through presentations or group discussions); essay writing.

  ​Have an ability to develop and sustain historical arguments and utilize evidence

  ​Have an ability to read, analyse, and reflect critically and contextually upon contemporary texts and other primary sources​

  ​Have an ability to read, analyse, and reflect contextually upon secondary evidence​

  ​Have an understanding of the development of history as a discipline and an awareness of different historical methodologies​

Programme Year Two

Students choose 2 x 30 credit modules and 2 x 15 credit modules. All students take 2 x 15 credit core modules (S1 Historiography / S2 Historian's Craft)

Programme Year Three

Students choose a 30-credit special subject (S1), 30 credit dissertation (S2), and 3 x 15 credit modules. All students take 15 credit core module (S2 Uses of the Past)

Compulsory modules

The modules listed above are illustrative and subject to change. Please refer to the department site for further information