Course programme
What you'll study Overview The structure of the history degree is flexible. In your first year you take core modules that introduce you to the discipline, and then in your second and third years you're free to choose all your preferred options (subject to timetabling constraints). You may decide to specialise in medieval, early modern, or modern history, or choose a variety of periods to suit your interests. With the advice of your personal tutor, you can create your own pathway through the degree programme. You also have the opportunity to take modules at other University of London institutions – including over 60 'Special Subjects' covering just about everything. Year 1 (credit level 4) Our focus is on intellectual and religious history, political history, cultural history, the history of identities, medical history and research relevant to the Centre for the Study of the Balkans. All teaching after the first year is research-led. We adopt a broad approach to the study of the past, which emphasises ideas and concepts, narratives and analysis, the study of time, and the use of visual as well as documentary resources. Year 1 modules Module title Credits. Dictators, War and Revolution Dictators, War and Revolution 30 credits This module introduces you to the discipline of political history, by analysing, from a comparative perspective, key modern political ideologies, developments and political leaders from a comparative perspective. In addition to a theoretical foundation, it provides a basic understanding of how the modern world has been shaped by dictators, wars and revolutions. The module is divided into four thematic blocks of five weeks each. The order of the blocks and the particular lecture topics may vary from year to year, but the four-part structure ensures that you are exposed to a wide array of methodological and empirical issues critical for the study of political history. Assessment by: a combination of coursework and a two-hour unseen written paper. There is also a range of coursework on which feedback is given. 30 credits. Religion, Peace and Conflict Religion, Peace and Conflict 30 credits This module explores the historical and contemporary role of religion in promoting peace and conflict through a series of case studies. The contexts chosen for study may vary from year to year but will normally include examples drawn from the West, the Middle East, and Asia. The module is divided into four blocks of five weeks each. By taking this module you will gain an introductory, but insightful, comprehension of religious belief and its role in promoting peace and conflict. 30 credits. Self, Citizen and Nation Self, Citizen and Nation 30 credits Self, Citizen and Nation introduces the importance of intellectual and cultural history as a way of understanding yourself and the world around you. It contributes to the department’s core strengths in the history of ideas, philosophy, ethics and culture. The course consists of four themes, each focusing on the relationship between human beings and their surroundings: the Medieval Self (the discovery of the individual, gender, childhood, the visual dimension, citizenship and ethnicity). Humans and the natural world (the human body, human mind, animals and birds, the rural and urban environments). Early modern identities (emotions and the soul, the self, religion and identity, ethnicity and nationality, gender and sexuality). Political systems in theory and practice (monarchies, republics, democracies, utopias and dystopias). Throughout the module you will engage with a wide variety of primary source material, including images, philosophical and literary texts, letters and works of self-reflection. 30 credits. Concepts and Methods in History Concepts and Methods in History 30 credits This core module introduces you to theories of history, methodologies and conceptual problems of advanced historical work from the ancient to the contemporary world. The module will help you acquire some of the fundamental skills involved in historical study – including writing at university level – as well as help you with online research, footnoting and compiling a bibliography. It consists of one lecture and seminar per week. 30 credits. Year 2 (credit level 5) You take modules to the value of 120 credits from an approved list, one of which may be a Group 2 module from a large list of topics taught either at Goldsmiths or in other University of London history departments. See the full list of Year 2 modules. Year 3 (credit level 6) You take modules to the value of 120 credits: 60 credits from the approved list one History Special Subject worth 60 credits The Special Subject is chosen from a list of approximately 40 topics taught either at Goldsmiths or in other University of London history departments. These departments include Birkbeck, King’s College, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, and University College London. See the list of Level 6 modules and information on Special Subjects. Teaching style This programme is mainly taught through scheduled learning - a mixture of lectures and seminars. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work. The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*: Year 1 - 13% scheduled learning, 87% independent learning. Year 2 - 13% scheduled learning, 87% independent learning. Year 3 - 13% scheduled learning, 87% independent learning. How you’ll be assessed You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework portfolios, long essays, examinations (various timescales and formats) and dissertation. The dissertation must be passed for the degree to be awarded. The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*: Year 1 - 44% coursework, 56% written exam. Year 2 - 75% coursework, 25% written exam. Year 3 - 56% coursework, 44% written exam. *Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2016/17. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Credits and levels of learning An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project. Download the programme specification , for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
