HIS 2004 Approaches To History

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

SYNOPSIS:

This course will provide an introduction to the development of historical writing and current debates in the philosophy and methodology of the discipline of History. The course is divided into two parts. The first part surveys the evolution of the discipline of History from the ancient world to the present. The second part focuses on the methodological issues of objectivity/subjectivity, positivism/relativism, and postmodernism. Each section will emphasise the interrelationship between the transmission and control of ideas, and the structure of society; an important theme in each part will be the nature of ideology and hegemony. This course cannot be taken by students who have passed USQ97106 History and Society.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. define and describe the basic stages in the production of History and Historiography;
2. describe the principal features in the development of Historiography;
3. show an awareness of epistemology - the origins, nature, methods, and limits of knowledge - as reflected in the discipline of History;
4. define ideology and discuss the role of ideas in society;
5. explain the positivist-idealist dichotomy and discuss the objectivity-subjectivity debate;
6. evaluate the impact of postmodernism on the study of History.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Students will be advised of the official exam date after the timetable has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this external course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The exam for this course is a RESTRICTED EXAMINATION, and candidates are allowed access to writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); Translation dictionary. Students whose first language is not English, may, with the Examiner's approval, take an appropriate non-electronic translation dictionary into the examination. Students who wish to use a translation dictionary MUST request and receive written approval from the Examiner at least one week before the examination date. Translation dictionaries will be subject to perusal and may be removed from the candidate's possession until appropriate disciplinary action is completed if found to contain material that could give the candidate an unfair advantage.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES