Introductory description

The module aims to support students on the Arts and Humanities course/pathway by developing their understanding of the key historiographical debates and theoretical approaches used in historical research and education.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Outline Syllabus

The Pursuit of History: Themes in Global History since 1789.

Changes in Global history are driven by events, people and social phenomena. Many of these driving forces of societal transformation are linked in some sense or another, whether tenuously or from becoming early influencers of subsequent changes. Our goal on this module, “The Pursuit of History: Themes in Global History since 1789” is to introduce you to some of the more basic causes of human development, transformation and social upheaval. The study of history is motivated by people who want answers and explanations for today’s world. Using a thematic approach, this module seeks to understand, research and expand our knowledge of the topics of War, Mass society, Social Activism and History Today by drawing upon a rich and diverse set of case studies, from the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), to the Sepoy Mutiny (1857), and The Battle of Swansea (1969). Split into four units, this module introduces you to key historiographical debates, allows you to explore a number of issues that are still relevant today and to draw upon your own experiences and history to explore such social phenomena.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Analyse events and evaluate key historiographical debates existing on the topics explored in this module
• 2. Appraise and identify bias in the contexts to which secondary sources are created and received
• 3. Identify the arguments and evidence in second text and to determine its validity
• 4. Construct and support a well-reasoned argument with the effective use of appropriate examples.

Indicative reading list

C. A. Bayly, The Birth of the Modern World, 1780-1914: Global Connections and Comparisons, (Oxford: Blackwell, 2004)
C. A. Bayly, Remaking the Modern World, 1900-2015,: Global Connections and Comparisons, (Medford: Wiley, 2018)
Vijay Prashad, The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World, (New York: The New Press, 2008)
Ludmilla Jordanova, History in Practice, (London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2017)

Interdisciplinary

The course draws on wider political debates and international relations theory. The fourth unit, titled, "History Today," allows students to put the history they learn within a contemporary context.

International

The module is structured into four themed units, including; Mass society, War, Social Activism and History Today. Each theme will include an in-depth analysis of three case studies (for various areas of the globe, and including different intersectional groups). The last week of each unit is geared to allow the students to 'practice' or 'reflect' on the topic and theme by answering a broad question, where they will be able to draw upon a historical case-study of their choice to support their argument. This allows students to draw on their own experiences, knowledge, backgrounds and interests to help them understand social phenomena.

Subject specific skills

To develop students use of analysis to interpret and critique existing historiographical debates and draw their own conclusions from the examination of primary sources.

Transferable skills

The pathway not only prepares students for undergraduate study in the UK, it also builds on a number of transferable skills that students will be able to draw upon beyond academic studies. The modules push students to work on their communication skills through presentation work, on their research and analysis skills in class and through assessment and on their ability to work within a team - which will be embedded in lecturers and seminars throughout the year.