Module FOUD0097: AN INTRODUCTION TO MODERN HISTORY

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0097: AN INTRODUCTION TO MODERN HISTORY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop knowledge and understanding of selected periods of Modern History as well as the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians.
• Students will also gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of differing interpretations of historical problems and alternative and conflicting sources of evidence.

Content

• Introducing History – An introduction to historical sources, concepts and historiography.
• The course will then go on to develop a basic understanding of the different elements of historical analysis, ranging from the late 19th century throughout the 20th century
• This will include studying different periods and events in Modern History to develop historical skills using both primary and secondary sources
• Students will be encouraged to develop their historical skills through analysis of primary material which will include political cartoons, postcards, pamphlets, art, documents, texts and first hand accounts of events.
• The main focus will be upon analysing the changes in Modern History which have an impact on contemporary society
• The emphasis will be on detailing the political, economic, social and cultural reasons for the changes.
• Among other aspects, seminars will cover perceptions of events in Modern History

Learning Outcomes

• Students will acquire the knowledge to be able to:
• make effective use of relevant factual knowledge to demonstrate and understand a critical evaluation of key events in modern history during a given period
• evaluate and interpret source material as historical evidence and to demonstrate facility in its use.
• distinguish and assess different approaches to interpretations of and opinions about a given period.
• communicate relevant ideas and central issues concerning the given period and to express them confidently in written work.
• show awareness of change and continuity in the past and present and to present a clear, concise, logical and relevant argument.

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• identify and distinguish between a primary and secondary source
• analyse, evaluate and interpret historical evidence
• discuss and debate relevant material in an academic manner
• acknowledge different historians' opinions
• understand and interpret art from the period

• By the end of the module students will:
• be able to communicate effectively in writing
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• All teaching will take the form of seminars with a view to encouraging the active participation of all students.
• Throughout the programme students will be given a range of exercises designed to develop their ability to understand, analyse and formulate arguments.
• The assessment methods aim to take account of the need for students to be able to make effective use of primary and secondary sources and to express their ideas both verbally and in writing.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Throughout the course students are expected to consolidate their learning through background reading. Exercises and library research will be set to enable students to measure their progress and confirm understanding of the material.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University