| Unit name | History in Public |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HIST20089 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. James Watts |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of History (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit examines the ways in which history is used outside the walls of the university. In particular, it aims to encourage students to think critically about the “uses of history”, how these are shaped by political, cultural, social and economic contexts, and how they change over time. How is history produced for non-academic audiences different, and why? Is public history more or less conservative than academic history? Can academic historians (and those with a degree in History) usefully play a part in these debates?
Content will vary from year to year, but the unit will be arranged around four main themes. These may include: heritage; politics and policy; history from the ground up; history and the media; history in schools.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which do not count towards your mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
One 5-minute Formative Group Presentation [ILOs 1-4] will provide an early opportunity for you to share your initial thoughts on the final assessment. There will an opportunity for peer and tutor feedback, and further discussion, through the teaching. (0%) [ILO 4].
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
One 10-minute Individual Project Presentation + 2000-word Critical Commentary (100%) [ILOs 1-4].
When assessment does not go to plan
If you are not able to take or pass a summative assessment, you will have another opportunity during the autumn reassessment period. The assessment format will remain the same as that originally planned.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. HIST20089).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
