History

This course consists of two main parts: the writing of a thesis that constitutes an original contribution to historical knowledge and participation in seminars that explore history as a craft and a profession, sampling a range of topics and approaches. The thesis is completed under the one-on-one supervision of an experienced academic and involves original research in primary sources and the development of skills in interpreting those sources in order to construct an argument that is then situated within the existing scholarship. The course develops marketable skills in research, critical analysis, written and oral communication, and argumentation.

The minimum entry requirement for history honours is completion of all the requirements for the BA, with a major in history, and an average grade of at least H2A (75%) in second and third year subjects within the major, or equivalent.

On successful completion of this Honours specialisation, students will have:

• an in-depth knowledge of selected topics and approaches in history
• an understanding of the concepts and principles that undergird historical research and argumentation
• developed skills involved in researching and writing an independent project that constitutes an original contribution to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of source analysis
• developed critical and analytical tools used in evaluating and using primary sources in the construction of historical interpretation
• developed knowledge and skills that will enable critical and informed participation in the community of historians, in society, and in the work force
• developed communication skills, both written and oral
• built skills as above that are useful in a range of occupations
• cultivated a commitment to continuous learning
• developed skills in gathering, organising, and processing large numbers of sources (‘data’)

Students undertaking pure honours in history must complete:

• HIST40036 History Thesis (50 points); and
• Three compulsory honours subjects (seminars) in history (37.5 points); and
• One elective honours subjects (seminar) in history (12.5) points.

Students undertaking combined honours in history and another program must complete:

• HIST40036 History Thesis (50 points); and
• HIST40030 History for Historians (12.5 points); and

• Three honours subjects in the combining discipline (37.5 points).

OR

• Honours thesis in the combining discipline (50 points); and
• One honours subject in the combining discipline (12.5 points); and
• Three compulsory honours subjects in history (37.5 points).

Total 100 points

History Thesis

Note: the thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.

Compulsory subjects

These three subjects are compulsory in the pure honours stream.

Elective subjects