Overview

The first part of the course is concerned with the use of the past made by historians and commentators such as politicians, the way traditions are invented (and destroyed), and introduces the different historiographical schools. It will look at various ideas about the study and writing of history which have developed over the last two centuries and which students need to understand in order to engage confidently with the different approaches which professional historians take to their work.

The second part will focus entirely on preparing for the dissertation. Students will be told about the structure and process behind the dissertation. They will choose a topic and will then discuss their ideas with a supervisor. Students will then conduct a literature search and a literature review, specific to this chosen area of research. These will be discussed with the supervisor. 1. Hist 2. Hist 3. Hist 4. Hist 5. Hist 6. Broad introduction to the dissertation. 7. Subject specific introduction to the dissertation. 8. Discuss the topic with a supervisor. 9. Do a literature search/bibliography and report back to the supervisor. 10. Draft a literature review and discuss it with the supervisor. Agree on a timetable for the dissertation.