Description

This course offers an introduction to methods, concepts and controversies which confront and challenge historians today, in the researching, writing and justifying of professional historical work. It is predominantly concerned with exploring various assumptive and theoretical foundations of historical practice, espoused by historians both past and present, and learning about how these various approaches are contested and debated. Key concepts to be considered include objectivity, causality, representation and truth. We will be particularly interested in how postmodernist commentators and historians have challenged many of the assumptions and methods upon which attempts to write objective history have been based. The course is also concerned with exploring particular methodological aspects of history in substantial detail. Sessions are dedicated to primary source criticism and so-called Cliometrics (the application of quantitative techniques to historical research).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
– Critically reflect on the main challenges associated with researching, writing and interpreting history.
– Demonstrate a critical awareness of major philosophical and theoretical assumptions that underpin historical research.
– Express articulate opinions on concepts related to historical research such as truth, objectivity, evidence etc.
– Articulate informed opinions on individual authorities and works in the field of historiography and historical methodology – including seminal and important contributions to theory and exemplary works of theory in practice.

*Course content subject to change