Course description
Course Description
The MA is specifically tailored to meet the needs of part-time learners. Taught only in the evening over a minimum of three years, students can choose from an exciting range of modules in early modern and modern history. This course will appeal particularly to people seeking career enhancement in teaching and other occupations, as well as those who simply wish to keep their brain cells active. Applications from individuals who do not meet standard entry requirements will be given sympathetic consideration.
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Demonstrate substantial knowledge and critical understanding of the broad themes of historical analysis, including continuity and change, the specificity of particular historical processes, and the 'otherness' of the past.
A2 : Demonstrate substantial knowledge and critical understanding of the models used by the discipline to conceptualise and analyse change in past societies.
A3 : Demonstrate substantial knowledge and critical understanding of some key historical sources available for historical research.
A4 : Demonstrate substantial knowledge and critical understanding of some selected topics of history.
A5 : Demonstrate substantial knowledge and critical understanding of a particular area of history through an independent piece of research.
Teaching Methods
A1-A4 are acquired through seminars where there is an emphasis on group discussion and which allow for dynamic interaction based on directed pre-set reading.
Throughout students are encouraged to develop their knowledge through independent, self-directed research and reading.
A5 is acquired through work on the dissertation.
Assessment Methods
Testing the knowledge-base for A1-A4 is through essays and the dissertation. A5 is assessed through the dissertation.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : A student should be able to identify accurately issues which require researching.
B2 : A student should be able to assemble information from a variety of sources, and discern and establish connections.
B3 : A student should be able to synthesise and evaluate primary and secondary information.
B4 : A student should be able to rank and collate items and issues in terms of relevance and importance.
B5 : A student should be able to critically evaluate the merits of conflicting arguments and advanced scholarship in the field.
B6 : A student should be able to present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions or methodologies and, where appropriate, propose new interpretations or hypotheses.
B7 : A student should be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, or conflicting evidence, and communicate their conclusions clearly
B8 : A student should be able to demonstrate independence of thought where appropriate.
Teaching Methods
Intellectual/cognitive skills B1-B8 are obtained through seminars, where there is an emphasis on group discussion and an analysis of original material and historical problems. All skills are further developed by the course essays and the dissertation. Skill B1 is fostered in particular through the dissertation, and student formulation of their own essay topics in consultation with the course tutor/supervisor.
Assessment Methods
Intellectual/cognitive skills B1-B8 are assessed via essays and the dissertation.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : A student should be able to identify, select and retrieve a wide range of relevant source material.
C2 : A student should be able to design, use and reflect on various research/study techniques.
C3 : A student should be able to interpret qualitative material.
C4 : A student should be able to compose extended bibliographies, using relevant reference systems according to established conventions.
C5 : A student should be able to design a substantial work of independent study.
C6 : A student should be able to project plan, manage and complete a substantial work of independent study.
C7 : A student should be able to identify, select and retrieve a range of primary source material.
Teaching Methods
Skills C1-C5 are developed through research for the course essays and dissertation, and by feedback and discussions with the tutors on written work. Skill C5 is developed through the summer school.
Skills C1-C7 are developed via the dissertation.
Assessment Methods
Practical skills C1-C4 are assessed through essays, and all the skills C1-C7 via the dissertation.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : A student should be able to i) work with the English language proficiently in relation to matters pertinent to the historical discipline; ii) present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and relevant manner; iii) analyse materials that are complex and/or technical; iv) liaise directly with academic supervisors on the dissertation.
D2 : A student should be able to use appropriate IT where relevant for research and presentation purposes (including searchable databases such as library catalogues and internet sources, and word processing).
D4 : A student should be able to analyse a reasonably complex set of data and apply relevant explanatory models thereto.
D6 : A student should be able to i) with limited guidance, to reflect on his or her own learning, and to seek and make use of feedback; ii) to appreciate when s/he does not know enough and needs to undertake further research.
Teaching Methods
Key skills D1, D2, D4 and D6 are acquired through tutorials where students debate historical issues and problems.
Skills D1, D2, D4 and D6 will be learnt through writing assessed and formative coursework and consequent feedback, both written and that obtained in oral sessions.
Skill D2 can be acquired through preparation forseminars and research for the dissertation.
Assessment Methods
Skills D1-D6 are assessed through essays and the dissertation.
