HIS5832 - Figuring the Past

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify a range of primary and secondary sources from which statistical data concerning specific topics in history could be extracted, and the kinds of questions they could be used to answer.
Critically evaluate and interpret statistical data given in tables, charts and graphs, in historical articles or books, or in historically-related computer-based reports or databases.
Demonstrate an understanding of basis statistical techniques, producing spreadsheets, tables, charts and graphs in an appropriate form to answer typical historical questions.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and interpret statistical data in the Seen Source Analysis assignment and to present findings in the form of a report including all the necessary statistical evidence, supporting information and academic apparatus.
Carryout small group interrogations of online historical databases, analyse and present the statistical data resulting from this activity.

Content:

This module examines how historical data may be collected, displayed, analysed and explained effectively. Via a specific case study, such as migration to and immigration within the USA, it introduces students to the criticism and interpretation of statistical data and techniques. For example, the issues raised by use of the mean, median and mode, and of basic sampling techniques and significance testing, are considered and used. In semester two students develop their own skills in locating and using data sets and applying basic statistical techniques to them. Computer workshops introduce students to internet-based resources and to spreadsheet applications.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A range of learning and teaching methods are used, including workshops, computer workshops, group work and group presentations. The module employs both statistical and documentary data, with students gaining experience in analysing and writing about numerical evidence. An understanding of the presentation of statistical evidence is also demonstrated through online resources and tv programmes available through the e.g. Box of Broadcasts National Database. In the second semester students make extensive use of online historical datasets, while a commercially available statistical package is used to analyse and present research data.

Workshops, including computer workshops
Contact hours: 29
Intended group size: 25

Tutorials
Contact hours: 1
Intended Group size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 170

Further details relating to assessment
Students may take calculators into the exam, which focuses on the ability to interpret quantitative sources, e.g. the criticism and interpretation of statistical techniques presented in graphic or tabular form, rather than numeracy per se.
The Report will involve the process of handling data, e.g. by text mining large-scale datasets, or data mining quantitative digital humanities resources, and re-presentation of that data in tabulated/visual form (e.g. pie-charts or other graphs, tables, charts, pins on digital maps, info-graphics etc.) as appropriate.

Assessment: