History for Historians

Subject HIST40030 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Total time commitment 120 hours
Prerequisites: Admission to fourth-year honours in history or the postgraduate diploma
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof David Goodman

Contact

David Goodman d.goodman@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

History for Historians is designed to enable History students to reflect critically upon their discipline: its history, its theory, its methods, and its practice. Such reflection will enhance students' research for, and writing of, their theses, and the assessment tasks directly incorporate students' thesis research. For these reasons, this seminar is compulsory for all students enrolled in pure History Honours. Students will be introduced to key developments in historiography from early modernity to post modernity. They will examine the application of a range of social theories and methodologies to the practice of History. They will also approach the task of their own research and writing of history through sessions on archival and bibliographical searches, on developing skills of historiographical analysis, on the use of written, oral, and visual sources, and on the creative act of transforming these historical sources into interpretative narratives to communicate to others.
Objectives:
  • understand key developments in the history of History.
  • understand significant issues in the theory and practice of history.
  • develop skills in research and writing directly relevant to their honours theses.
  • have an understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues involved in historical analysis.
  • be able to engage in independent critical inquiry and research-based writing.
Assessment: A seminar Journal 1000 words 20% (due end of semester). an historiographical essay 2,000 words 40% (due mid semester) and a theory and method essay 2,000 words 40% (due in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.
  • demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources.
  • demonstrate the ability to contextualise judgements and construct arguments.
  • develop a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities.
Notes: This is a compulsory subject for students doing pure honours in History or students doing the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History). It is optional for students doing combined honours.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History
History
History
Renaissance and Early Modern Studies

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