Module Code - Title:
HI6312
-
HISTORICAL RESEARCH IN PRACTICE 2
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module introduces students to historical research as practiced by professional historians. By auditing, participating in and reflecting on the Limerick History Research Seminar, and, where relevant, the Research Seminar of the Centre for Early Modern Studies, students will gain insight into the practical considerations, research techniques, historiographical concerns, and analytical approaches that inform the research projects of the professional historians invited to present research papers. The module exposes students to the challenges of historical research particularly in relation to project design, primary source analysis, and the presentation of research findings. This knowledge will serve in the development and writing of MA module assignments and dissertations.
Syllabus:
Students will audit a set of seminars, selected by the module leader, from the Limerick History Research Seminar series, and where appropriate, the Centre for Early Modern Studies Research Seminar series. Students will participate in discussion, and, in written reflections, evaluate the research papers that have been presented.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Appreciate the complexities of research project design and implementation
- Recognise the value and potential diversity of primary sources for historical research
- Differentiate between types of primary sources and appraise methods for their analysis
- Comprehend how historiographical concepts and methods can inform historical research in practice
- Apply critical and analytical skills in the evaluation of research papers
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Relate to the demands that pertain in the effective conduct of historical research, writing and presentation
- Appreciate the importance of participation and debate in fora for the presentation of historical research
- Acknowledge the societal value of professional history
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Learning occurs through observation of, participation in and critical reflection on research seminar papers presented by professional historians. In this way, students are exposed to new historical research in practice and progress. This builds an understanding of the skills involved in the design and implementation of a research project, the imperatives of creative, critical and original thinking, the value of collaborative engagement in historical research, and the importance of rhetorical skills in the articulation of research findings.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Ludmilla Jordanova (2006)
History in Practice
, Bloomsbury
Tracy Loughran (ed.) (2016)
A Practical Guide to Studying History Skills and Approaches
, Bloomsbury
Garthine Walker (ed.) (2005)
Writing Early Modern History
, Bloomsbury
Stefan Berger et al. (eds.) (2010)
Writing History: Theory and Practice
, Bloomsbury
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