Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE IFS0203

 
TITLE Introduction to the Study of History 1

 
UM LEVEL 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus

 
MQF LEVEL 4

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Humanities

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit aims to introduce the study of modern history through thematic events which will enable the learner to employ a wide range of tools to analyse and critique a variety of social and political phenomena in the past.

Study-Unit Aims:

The aims are to provide:
- an introduction to the profession of the historian.
- an understanding of the relevance of primary and secondary sources for the writing of history.
- an introduction to the methods and methodologies used by the historian to write history.
- an overview of the theoretical frameworks employed by historians to write about the past.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- identify the main themes in the current state of knowledge in the discipline of history.
- outline different theories and methodologies relevant to the writing of history.
- recognise comparative methods employed by historians to construct knowledge of the past.
- comprehend the difference between primary and secondary sources, and how to best use them.
- recognise the value of studying history and how the historian is involved in the writing of history.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- use primary and secondary sources at a basic level.
- employ basic theoretical frameworks to read historical texts.
- demonstrate the ability to make comparative analyses of different phenomena in the past.
- demonstrate the ability to use basic bibliographic skills and to evaluate information sources.
- show appropriate knowledge of causality.
- participate in class debates about different themes and events.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Pojmann,W., Reeves-Ellington,B., and K. Mahar. Doing History. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780199939817.

Storey, W. 2015. Writing History: A Guide for Students. 5th Edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780190238940.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Please note that a pass in the Examination component is obligatory for an overall pass mark to be awarded.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Independent Study & Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 Yes 25%
Assignment SEM1 Yes 25%
Examination [See Add. Notes] (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Omar N'Shea

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit