HIS4702 - Patterns & Periodisation in History

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of the broad outline of British history and an ability to discern and discuss patterns within it.
demonstrate an understanding of key historical concepts such as change and continuity.
analyse and comment on the comparative significance of a number of turning points in British history.
analyse and critique different approaches to periodisation in history.
demonstrate an ability to write academic essays and undertake group oral presentations.

Content:

Students will analyse the extent to which major events in British history such as the Roman Conquest, Norman Conquest, the Black Death, and the Reformation may be described as turning points, comparing them with each other to assess their relative significance and considering the validity of traditional historical periods (eg the Dark Ages, the Tudor period etc). As they study these turning points, they will also explore (in groups) the pattern of development of a particular aspect of British history (eg the role of the monarchy, transport and communications, religious belief, the experience of women or children), highlighting the historical drivers of change over a period of about 1500 years. They will develop essay-writing, group work, and oral presentation skills.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning is supported through a combination of mini-lectures, workshops, and group tutorials. A considerable amount of group work is required of students both in sessions and independently. Informal group work is used in the first half of the module as preparation for assessed group oral presentations in the second half. A short diagnostic exercise is used in the first half of the module to prepare students for the essay assessment.

Workshops
Contact hours: 38
Intended group size: 35

Tutorials
Contact hours: 15-20 mins
Intended group size: 4

Guided independent study
Hours: c. 160

Further details relating to assessment
The essay will allow the students to focus on the turning point of their own choice, while also making some assessment of its relative significance in comparison with others studied during the module. The group oral presentation will focus on the development of a particular topic through British history, and include the submission of a group-authored hand-out of 1,000 words. Groups will consist of four students.

Assessment: