Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to give students an understanding of influential methodologies and theories of aspects of British history as practised within the field of British History and subsequently in the MA in British History. Each seminar leader and the ML lead two weeks of content, revolving around their research interests, while contributing to the overall theme of the module.

Outline Of Syllabus

This will vary depending on the specialist research interests of the staff teaching on the module, but themes may include: the Atlantic world, imperialism, industrialisation and industrial decline, crime and popular protest, demography, national identity, slavery, social identity and class formation, family structure and gender relations, poverty and the poor, material goods and consumption, relationships between the three kingdoms and/or four nations, state formation, urbanization, work and labour patterns, and political history.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students will have gained insights into the consideration and interpretation of major trends in British history through a reading of a selection of significant texts.

Students will have:
- an opportunity to use selected primary sources and a range of secondary reading so as to be able to engage in current critical debates at an advanced level;
- acquired a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of historical scholarship;
- displayed originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline;
- acquired a conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline, and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Development of associated skills in research, critical reading and reasoning, sustained discussion and appropriate presentation of the results; a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship; ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level; ability to continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level; aquisition of the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of: initiative and personal responsibility, and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

There will be 9 weekly seminars (none in week 1, the enrichment week, or week 12). Seminars encourage independent study and promote improvements in oral communication, problem-solving skills and adaptability. Seminars at MA level allow students to share perspectives on their reading and personal research interests, as well as to engage in an advanced-level critical discussion of the problems and issues surrounding the theme under review. The drop-in surgery in week 12 will help students with their assessment - it provides them with an opportunity to discuss their essay with staff members. A module talk in week 1 will introduce the course to students.


We do not lecture at MA. Replacement lecture materials are therefore unnecessary.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Submitted work tests knowledge outcomes and develops skills in research, reading and writing. Essays allow students to explore a theme of the course in the depth that we require at MA. They also offers the opportunity to explore primary sources, which will be essential to their dissertations. The students will write one essay during the mid-term and one during the assessment period. Essay topics will be divided into baskets to ensure that assessment covers a range of themes on the module. The formative assessment will consist of an essay plan for Essay 1 allowing feedback not just on the essay topic and approach but the process, from which they will derive benefit undertaking essay 2.


Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. Where an exam is present, an alternative form of assessment will be set and where coursework is present, an alternative deadline will be set. Details of the alternative assessment will be provided by the module leader.

General Notes

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