Module Code - Title:
HI5111
-
COMPUTING AND DATABASES IN HISTORY RESEARCH
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
HI5101
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce data processing skills and statistical techniques specifically in their application to historical data.
Syllabus:
The evolution of computer processing and analysis of historical data; introduction to social science and historical data retrieval and analysis packages for the computer including SPSS and Harvard Graphics; practical work based on computer readable data generated in historical and local studies; an introduction to quantitative methods and their application in specific case studies to historical research.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful complete of this module the student will be able to:
demonstrate the capacity to identify reliable and suitable information (data) in the archive or from other sources
consider and assess the most appropriate way of arranging this data (graph, table, etc) that will allow the historian, and ultimately the reader, to draw historical conclusions;
ascertain, evaluate and consider what conclusions can be drawn from this information for answering a historical problem; and
relate and present these conclusions and data within the narrative.
apply data processing skills and statistical techniques to problems in local history
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Not Applicable
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not Applicable
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Understanding the complexity of societies in the past involves a number of skills that students master. Seminars form a single part of the process of historical understanding alongside reading and research. They are designed to introduce a student to a number of themes and events but will never provide all of the information necessary for achieving the objectives of the module. Seminars will facilitate and provide a context for personal reading and research that students must undertake in order to fully grasp and apply the interdisciplinary skills involved.
The learner experience:
allows the learner to connect the key themes to other in her/his programme
have a better understanding of local history
have experienced a challenging and interesting module relevant to the individual and the wider class
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Not Relevant
Prime Texts:
P. Hudson (2000)
History by numbers
,
CH Feinstein and M.Thomas (2002)
Making history count
,
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
david.fleming@ul.ie