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Study information

The Deep Past, History and Humanity

Module titleThe Deep Past, History and Humanity
Module codeANT3015
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Adrian Currie (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

40

Module description

What we can know about the past of our species, and what can this tell us about the natures of humanity and history? To answer such questions, we’ll draw on philosophical accounts of both historical science and human history, as well as anthropological, archaeological and biological perspectives. We’ll consider whether practises like archaeology are scientific, whether historical events are discovered or created and question whether we can ever truly know past cultures. This together will help us ask what understanding humanity’s history is for. Although the module takes a philosophical approach, it will be interdisciplinary, and of particular interest to students of a historical or anthropological bent.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will cover five overlapping debates concerning the natures of history, historical knowledge and humanity. The aim is to introduce you to philosophical, archaeological and historiographical considerations of epistemology and method with the skills required to critically engage and reflect upon those considerations. In addition to theoretical knowledge and skills, you will also learn how to incorporate case studies into critical analysis. Some of the lectures will include input from practicing archaeologists, and there will likely be a field trip to tour a museum or a dig.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate deep understanding of contemporary debates about historical science and historical knowledge.
  • 2. Critically engage with a case study from humanity’s deep past and how it relates to contemporary philosophical disputes.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. Demonstrate a thorough capacity to analyse and critique arguments and positions
  • 4. Synthesize theoretical and empirical information in illuminating ways.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. Critically integrate different disciplinary approaches.
  • 6. Demonstrate clear, concise and effective writing and analysis.
  • 7. Conduct independent research which engages with complex ideas.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the folllowing questions:

1. Are the historical sciences sciences?
2. To what extent can we gain knowledge of human culture from material remains?
3. What is the nature of events in human history?
4. Can biological and cultural perspectives on human nature be integrated?
5. What is history for?

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities2211 x 2 hours per week comprising of lectures and seminars
Guided Independent Study45Preparation for lectures, including reading and planning.
Guided Independent Study83Independent research for assignments.

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Essay Plan100 word essay proposal1-7Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Mini-Essay 125800 words1-7Written
Mini-Essay 225800 words1-7Written
Essay502000 words1-7Written
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Mini-Essay 1Mini-Essay (800 words)1-7August/September reassessment period
Mini-Essay 2Mini-Essay (800 words)1-7August/September reassessment period
EssayEssay (2000 words)1-7August/September reassessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Turner, D. (2007). Making prehistory: Historical science and the scientific realism debate. Cambridge University Press.

Cleland, C. E. (2002). Methodological and epistemic differences between historical science and experimental science. Philosophy of Science, 69(3), 447-451.

Currie, A. (2018). Rock, Bone, and Ruin: An Optimist's Guide to the Historical Sciences. MIT Press.

Chapman, R., & Wylie, A. (2016). Evidential reasoning in archaeology. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Danto, A.C. (1965), Analytical Philosophy of History, London, Cambridge University Press.

Keller, E. F. (2016). Thinking about biology and culture: can the natural and human sciences be integrated?. The Sociological Review, 64(1_suppl), 26-41.

Collingwood, R. G. (1993). The idea of history. Oxford University Press.

Key words search

Historiography, philosophy of science, archaeology, anthropology, human nature, historical science.

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

13/03/2018

Last revision date

01/03/2022