Module Code - Title:
HI6222
-
DIRECTED READING IN HISTORY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module takes the form of a directed reading project. It is designed to facilitate the development of skills of historical analysis through the concentrated study of a specific topic that aligns with the research expertise of faculty. The module promotes the development of skills of historical research, analysis and presentation. It serves as a structured means through which students can develop their capacity for independent learning, and an ability to pursue extended research and writing projects, such as the MA dissertation.
Syllabus:
The directed reading project will take the form of a structured programme of reading on a defined topic. The topic of each directed reading project will be defined by a member of faculty and the student following an initial supervision. Readings will be set by a member of faculty alongside a reading and supervision schedule.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon completion of this module students will:
- Command an in-depth understanding of and critical engagement with a defined historical topic and its historiography
- Possess knowledge of extant primary sources on a defined historical topic and an ability to evaluate their characteristics and relative importance
- Demonstrate an ability to articulate a cogent scholarly appraisal of the subject and field in academic prose
- Gain a capacity for independent reading and research by inculcating processes, practices and skills to ensure the integrity of a research and writing project
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Upon completion of this module students will:
- Appreciate of the importance of in-depth historiographical expertise in the design and implementation of a research project in history
- Possess the appropriate work-ethic and values necessary for effective self-directed learning and research
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module is taught in one-to-one or small group tutorials with a supervisor selected on the basis of their research profile and expertise. Students receive expert guidance on the extant scholarship on a defined topic. They are directed to read in phases; building foundational knowledge of the field of research in the first instance and ultimately acquiring an in-depth knowledge of that field. They then learn to navigate and articulate complex historiographical issues in the form of an extended essay. The module thus acts as a bridge to support students as they make a transition to the more self-directed, proactive learning and research practices that are required in the responsible planning and realisation of larger scale writing projects, such as the MA dissertation.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Stefan Berger, Heiko Feldner, Kevin Passmore (eds.) (2020)
Writing History: Theory and Practice, 3rd ed.
, Bloomsbury
Tracey Loughran (ed.) (2017)
A Practical Guide to Studying History
Skills and Approaches
, Bloomsbury
J. Laurence Hare, Jack Wells, Bruce E. Baker (ed.) (2019)
Essential Skills for Historians
A Practical Guide to Researching the Past
, Bloomsbury
Michael J. Salevouris (2016)
The Methods and Skills of History: A Practical Guide, 4th Edition
, Wiley
Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. William (2016)
The Craft of Research, 4th ed.
, University of Chicago Press
Brundage, Anthony (2017)
Going to the sources : a guide to historical research and writing, 6th ed.
, Wiley
McDowell, W.H. (2002)
Historical research : a guide
, Longman
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAHISTTFA - HISTORY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
aaron.donaghy@ul.ie