Public History
| Module title | Public History |
|---|---|
| Module code | HIC1603 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Alyson Mercer (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Module description
Public History is a core element of the level one History programme. The module will introduce you to the theory and practice of public history. You will analyse the power, politics and practicalities of (re)presenting history in the public sphere. You will gain insight into public responses to the past and importance of understanding diversity and inclusivity in current approaches. From heritage sites and museums, to film, fiction and virtual reality; the course explores key concepts and contextualises them within national and international debates. You will have the opportunity to analyse museum exhibits, conduct oral history interviews, critically analyse the concept of public history, and explore these first-hand by undertaking a placement within a public history setting.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to give you a core theoretical understanding of the key issues and debates in Public History. You will have the opportunity to put theory into practice in the assignments and optional placement, which will help you to critically review and engage with current debates in the field. It also aims to give you competency in a number of transferable skills, including experience in undertaking basic oral history interviews, as well as methodology and critical analysis in museum exhibitions.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Understand the main concepts and debates within public history
- 2. Demonstrate competency in public history research methods
- 3. Understand and reflect critically upon the relationship between theory and practice
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Demonstrate competent research skills in using libraries and electronic databases
- 5. Critically evaluate the political uses of the past and historical teaching
- 6. Contextualise changing perspectives and approaches to public history over time
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Work collaboratively on group exercises both in the classroom and on field trips
- 8. Work independently on the optional placement and module assessments
- 9. Develop oral presentation skills
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Public history: origins, concepts and debates.
- Exhibitions: producing and consuming public history.
- Ethics: key challenges and controversies
- Oral history and interview methods
- Heritage: politics and identity
- Narrative: history, myth and memory
- Public history on film
- Digital Public Histories
- Working with the public, placements and projects
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 11 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 11 | Seminars |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 7 | Field Trip |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 3 | Placement talks and discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | 118 | Independent study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution to leading the seminar discussion (group work) | 500 word equivalent | 1-6, 7-9 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Portfolio | 75 | 2500 words | 1-6, 8 | Written |
| Project/Conference Presentation and Group Discussion | 25 | 8 minutes per speaker (500 words equivalent) + 10 minutes for group discussion | 106, 7, 9 | Oral and written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project portfolio (2,500 words) | Project portfolio (2,500 words) | 1-6, 8 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Presentation and group discussion (8 minute presentation; 10 minute group discussion) | Recorded project presentation (10 minutes) | 1-6, 7, 9 | Term time |
Re-assessment notes
Please note: the individual presentation will need to take place during Term Time either in person or on Teams.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Ashton, P. and H. Kean, (eds.) (2009) People and their Pasts. New York: Palgrave.
Corsane, G. (ed.) (2005) Heritage, Museums and Galleries. An Introductory Reader. New York: Routledge.
Groot, J. de. (2009) Consuming History. Historians and heritage in contemporary popular culture. London: Routledge.
Harrison, R. (ed.) (2010) Understanding the politics of heritage. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Knell, S.J., S. MacLeod and S. Watson (eds.) (2007) Museum Revolutions. How museums change and are changed. London: Routledge.
Macdonald, S. (ed.) (2006) A Companion to Museum Studies. Blackwell.
Marstine, J. (ed.) (2011) The Routledge Companion to Museum Ethics. London: Routledge.
Perks, R. and A. Thomson (2006) The Oral History Reader, 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
Smulyan, S. (Ed.). (2020). Doing Public Humanities (1st ed.). Routledge.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 29/01/2023 |
