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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2020/1 academic year

BA (Hons) History with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) History with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4HPSHPS31
Study mode(s)Full Time
Part Time
Academic year2020/1
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BA (Hons) History with Study Abroad programme builds on a broad foundation in the first year, to highly specialised work in the final year, including the study of a particular subject in depth. There is a huge amount of module choice covering time periods from the Roman Empire to the 1960s and topics as diverse as the Vikings, early medieval empires, British politics since 1900, women in society, the Norman conquest, magic and witchcraft in early modern Europe and reformation London.

This programme is studied over four years. The first two years and the final year are university-based, and the third year is spent at a university abroad on an approved programme of study.

Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme aims to develop your competence in the subject-specific and research skills required in History, through extended engagement with primary sources and methodologies, relevant critical material, and theoretical contexts. You will acquire a thorough grounding in the core principles of History through a programme which engages you imaginatively in the process of understanding and analysing complex sources and time periods. In History modules, you will progress through study of both broad and detailed focus, analysing particular aspects of the past across a range of time periods and geographical areas. History offers detailed subject knowledge, broad coverage and a wide range of choice.

You will also acquire advanced competence in core academic, personal and key skills, providing a basis for career progression in the academic and professional worlds. You will be exposed to a variety of teaching and assessment methods within appropriate learning environments, supported by feedback and monitoring. You will also be given an opportunity to develop your independent study skills through a piece of individual research.

The programme provides an intellectually stimulating, satisfying experience of learning and studying, and forms a sound basis for further study in History, or related disciplines. It aims to develop a range of subject-specific, academic and transferable skills, including high order conceptual literacy and communication skills of value in graduate employment. History, like other programmes offered within the College of Humanities, encourages you to become a global citizen, a productive, useful and questioning member of society, and provides thorough training for further study or a specialist career. You may utilise the skills you develop in a range of sectors, including consultancy, market research, the Civil Service, education, teaching, new media industries, journalism and publishing, research, charities, information science, advertising and public relations.

It further aims to:

  • Offer an excellent Honours-level education in History.
  • Ensure that graduates from the programme are useful, productive and questioning members of society.
  • Produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes of the discipline through a combination of both broad and detailed focuses on particular aspects of the past, study of a range of time periods, and study of different geographical areas; who understand the methods which historians use to study the past; and who can analyse the development of past societies.
  • Develop your competence in subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills.
  • Offer you a wide range of choice, insofar as this choice is consistent with the coherence and intellectual rigour of the degree.

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/undergraduates/modules/

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in any stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

Stage 1


90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HIH1400 Making History 15Yes
HIH1401 Approaches to History 15No
HIH1410 Understanding the Medieval and Early-Modern World 30No
HIH1420 Understanding the Modern World 30No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HISS S1 BA SH opt 2020-1
HIH1610 The Rise and Demise of the Raj: India, 1857-1947 15 No
HIH1014 The Body in Eighteenth-Century Britain 15 No
HIH1525 Restoration London: Plague, Fire and History 15 No
HIH1042 Murder in Early Modern England 15 No
HIH1034 Red Sky at Morning: The Origins of Communism in East and Southeast Asia 15 No
HIH1002 Losing an Empire, Finding a Role: Britain Since 1945 15 No
HIH1607 JFK 15 No
HIH1038 The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Origins, Development and Impact 15 No
HIH1057 The Opium War: the British Empire encounters the Middle Kingdom 15 No
HIH1612 Renaissance Florence 1350-1550 15 No
HIH1506 The First Day of the Somme 15 No
HIH1505 The First Crusade 15 No
HIH1402 Britain, America, and the Global Order, 1846-1946 15 No
HIH1411 From Wigan Pier to Piccadilly: Britain between the Wars 15 No
HIH1600 Images of Stalinism 15 No
HIH1136 'Dangerous woman'? The lives and afterlives of Emma Goldman 15 No
HIH1053 Gender and Sexuality in the Middle Ages 15 No

Stage 2


60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HIH2001 Doing History: Perspectives on Sources 30Yes
HIH2002 Uses of the Past 30No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HISS S2 BA SH opt 2020-1
HIH2014A Decolonisation and the Collapse of the British Empire, 1919-1968 30 No
HIH2016A Living Through the Global: Colonial Migrants and the British Empire from the Eighteenth Century to the Present 30 No
HIH2030A Peoples and Empires in Latin America, 1492-1820s 30 No
HIH2032A Europe 1650-1800: From Enlightenment to Romanticism 30 No
HIH2037 American Frontiers: The West in U.S. History and Mythology 30 No
HIH2145A Spain from Absolutism to Democracy 30 No
HIH2092A Europe in the Tenth Century: Continuity and Change 30 No
HIH2185A China in the World, 1500-1840 30 No
HIH2186A Deviants and Dissenters in Early Modern England 30 No
HIH2200A Islam and the Making of Medieval Europe, c.600-1300 30 No
HIH2137A Inventing Modern Man: Constructions of Mind, Body, and the Individual, 1400-1800 30 No
HIH2203A Crime and Society in England, 1500-1800 30 No
HIH2011A Forgetting Fascism, Remembering Communism: Memory in Modern Europe 30 No
HIH2034A Anarchism: Theory, Practice, History 30 No
HIH2036A Albion's Fatal Tree: Capital Punishment in England, 1688-1965 30 No
HIH2181A The Witchcraze in Europe and its Colonies c.1300-1800 30 No
HIH2209A African American History 30 No
HUM HUM2000-HUM2001
HUM2000 Humanities in the Workplace 30 No
HUM2001 Humanities in the Workplace 15 No

Stage 3


120 credits of compulsory modules

For your year abroad you will agree a suite of modules in your host institution with the College Study Abroad Coordinator. Details of individual modules that may be taken whilst abroad can be found by accessing the partner institution’s factfile at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/abroad/where/ and navigating to the “Course Requirements” section of that factfile where a link to the modules on offer in the partner institution is displayed.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HUM3999 Year Abroad 120Yes

Optional Modules


Stage 4


30 credits of compulsory Dissertation, 30 credits of compulsory Comparative modules, 60 Credits of Sources and Context modules

a You must select 30 credits from this list of Comparative History modules.

b You must select 60 credits from this list History Special Subject modules. You must select both the Sources module and its co-requisite Context module.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HIH3005 General Third-Year Dissertation 30Yes
HISS SF BA Comparative modules 2020-1 [See note a above]
HIH3617 News, Media and Communication 30 No
HIH3618 Power Elites: Ruling Groups across Space and Time 30 No
HIH3619 Sexualities 30 No
HIH3626 Heroes: Conceptions, Constructions and Representations 30 No
HIH3629 Disease 30 No
HIH3632 Violence 30 No
HIH3633 Revolutions 30 No
HIH3634 Race, Resistance, and Decolonisation 30 No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
HISS SF BA Sources and Contexts 2020-1 [See note b above]
HIH3038 The Invisible Empires: American Society and the Ku Klux Klan since 1866: Sources 30 No
HIH3039 The Invisible Empires: American Society and the Ku Klux Klan since 1866: Context 30 No
HIH3042 Britain and the Age of Revolution, 1775-1832 (Sources) 30 No
HIH3043 Britain and the Age of Revolution, 1775-1832 (Context) 30 No
HIH3110 The Celtic Frontier: Sources 30 No
HIH3111 The Celtic Frontier: Context 30 No
HIH3117 The Age of AEthelred 'the Unready': Sources 30 No
HIH3118 The Age of AEthelred 'the Unready': Context 30 No
HIH3157 The Irish Revolution, 1912-23: Sources 30 No
HIH3158 The Irish Revolution, 1912-23: Context 30 No
HIH3182 Critics of Empire: Sources 30 No
HIH3183 Critics of Empire: Context 30 No
HIH3187 Everyday Stalinism: Life in the Soviet Union, 1928-53: Sources 30 No
HIH3188 Everyday Stalinism: Life in the Soviet Union, 1928-53: Context 30 No
HIH3206 A New Jerusalem? Being Protestant in Post-Reformation England: Sources 30 No
HIH3207 A New Jerusalem? Being Protestant in Post-Reformation England: Context 30 No
HIH3216 The Yes, Minister Files: Perspectives on British Government since 1914: Sources 30 No
HIH3217 The Yes, Minister Files: Perspectives on British Government since 1914: Context 30 No
HIH3257 The Russian Revolution: Sources 30 No
HIH3258 The Russian Revolution: Context 30 No
HIH3266 Magic in the Middle Ages: Sources 30 No
HIH3267 Magic in the Middle Ages: Context 30 No
HIH3314 Governing the World: A History of Internationalism from WW1 to the Present: Context 30 No
HIH3315 Governing the World: A History of Internationalism from WW1 to the Present: Sources 30 No
HIH3316 The Holocaust and Nazi Occupation of Eastern Europe, 1939-1945: Context 30 No
HIH3317 The Holocaust and Nazi Occupation of Eastern Europe, 1939-1945: Sources 30 No
HIH3318 Health and its Politics in the 20th Century: Sources 30 No
HIH3319 Health and its Politics in the 20th Century: Context 30 No
HIH3320 Making A New China: Ideas, Networks, and the Intelligentsia: Sources 30 No
HIH3321 Making A New China: Ideas, Networks, and the Intelligentsia: Context 30 No
HIH3322 Crusades in Christendom, 1179-1588: Sources 30 No
HIH3323 Crusades in Christendom, 1179-1588: Context 30 No
HIH3325 Britain and Slavery: Context 30 No
HIH3624 Literature, Culture, and Politics in Early Modern England: Sources 30 No
HIH3625 Literature, Culture, and Politics in Early Modern England: Context 30 No
HIH3324 Britain and Slavery: Sources 30 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Describe and discuss the philosophical problems confronting historians.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the recurring themes in History, such as class, gender, ethnicity, religion and war, and of the main themes in particular topics selected for modules; trace the key developments within a topic and relate them to an overall conception of the subject matter; evaluate complex themes in History; make close specialist evaluation of key developments within particular periods/topics.
3. Identify the variety of approaches taken to historical research; ability to evaluate the professionalism and scholarly value of historical works; evaluate the reasons for changes in historiographical approaches.
4. Define a suitable research topic in the subject area and pursue it to completion.
5. Use different types of historical source; evaluate different and complex types of historical source; use primary sources in a professional manner.
6. Present work in the format expected of historians, including footnoting and bibliographical references.
7. Demonstrate how quantitative data can be used in historical research.

ILO1s 1-3 are developed at stage 1 in compulsory modules though lectures, seminars, and written work.

ILO 1 is further developed especially in compulsory modules at stage 2.

ILOs 2-3 form the backbone of all modules taken at all stages, but the level of complexity and nuance develops according to stage with the Comparative Histories modules particularly focused on these skills.

You are encouraged to use stage 1 and 2 compulsory modules as a way of addressing ILO 4, and concentrate on doing so in the Dissertation at final stage. More generally, the choice of essays that they are given in all modules develops this skill in them from the outset of their programme.

ILO 5 is a requirement of all modules, but there is particular primary source emphasis - developing in complexity as you progress through the stages of the programme - at stage 1 in Sources and Skills modules.

ILO 6 is developed in stage 1 and 2 compulsory modules, and in final stage in the Special Subject and Dissertation. You are given clear guidelines about ILO 6 in the Undergraduate Handbook, and are instructed in such matters in stage 1 compulsory modules, and are expected to demonstrate it in all modules.

ILO 7 is developed through the Sources and Skills and may be developed in other elective modules. Many modules have a requirement of some work with quantitative data.

The assessment of these skills is through a combination of term-time essays, oral presentations, wikis, Project and Dissertation work, and examinations. The criteria of assessment pay full recognition to the importance of the various skills outlined.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

8. Draw thematic comparisons between material from different sources.
9. Describe contrasting approaches to research and judge between competing views
10. Describe and evaluate the nature of both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
11. Identify basic philosophical questions arising from academic research
12. Think and write broadly about large historical themes
13. Comprehend complex terminology and discourses, and deploy such terminology in a comprehensible manner.
14. Identify problems of reliability and bias in, and more generally evaluate evidence.
15. Collate data from a range of sources.
16. Reference sources accurately in written work.
17. Answer questions concisely and persuasively in writing.
18. Present work and answer questions orally.
19. Ask pertinent and intellectually demanding questions of other students.
20. Focus on and comprehend complex texts.
21. Work at an advanced level, both orally and in writing, in a foreign language.
22. Demonstrate receptiveness to a foreign culture and see the relativity of one’s own cultural perspective.

These skills are all developed throughout the degree programme, but the emphasis becomes more complex as you move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both presentation and class discussion). 

These skills are assessed through term-time essays, wikis, dissertations, assessed presentations, and examinations.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

23. Undertake independent study and work to deadlines.
24. Digest, select and organise material for written work and oral presentations, and write to varying word lengths.
25. Plan the execution of work over a very long time scale.
26. Participate in oral discussions; present and evaluate complex arguments and ideas orally; digest, select and organise material for oral presentations.
27. Work with others as part of a team on challenging material.
28. Interact effectively with peers and staff.
29. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of material in groups.
30. Advance linguistic competence independently.
31. Adapt to the culture and working practices of a foreign country.

ILO 23 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is particularly developed in stage 2 compulsory modules and the Dissertation.

ILO 24 is developed through essay and presentation work throughout the programme.

ILO 25 is developed through stage 1 and 2 compulsory modules and, in final stage, through the Dissertation, which has a single end of year deadline.

ILO 26 is developed through seminars, which form the whole (Sources and Skills and Special Subjects) or part basis of all modules.

The skills in ILOs 27-28 are developed to some extent in all modules, through interaction in seminars and in discussion with tutors about essay work, and in response to criticism both collective and individual. However, there is particular emphasis on ILO 25 (and ILO 27) in stage 1 Sources and Skills and compulsory modules, where you work as part of a team to present and respond to the presentations of others, and in the compulsory modules in the second and final stages.

30 and 31 are developed through the language tuition in stages 1 and 2 and in the year abroad.

The skills in ILOs 23-25 are assessed in all modules.

ILO 25 is covered by the fact that you write essays of differing lengths which are summatively assessed. In addition, presentations are formally assessed in Special Subjects and Comparative Histories.

ILO 25 is covered by the Dissertation and, to a lesser extent, stage 1 and 2 compulsory modules.

Formative assessment of work in seminars (ILO 26) takes place in options, and there is assessment of presentations as stated above.

Team work skills (ILOs 27-29) are formally assessed in stage 2 compulsory modules and Comparative History modules.

ILOs 30-31 are assessed through the language modules at stages 1 and 2 and in the Study Abroad module.

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Progression Rules

To progress to Stage 2 you must achieve an average mark of at least 60% in Stage 1, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the three-year programme. This is to ensure that only those students who are likely to succeed in their Year Abroad are selected.

The Year Abroad counts as a single 120-credit module and is not condonable; you must pass this module to graduate with the degree title of BA History with Study Abroad. If you fail the Year Abroad module your degree title will be commuted to BA History. You will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad with their grades converted back to Exeter grades to contribute towards your degree classification. The rules governing failure and referral will be determined by the host institution

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

History tutors set aside two ‘tutorial’ hours a week during term-time to see personal tutees and are also available to see tutees by appointment. Personal tutors see their first year tutees at least twice a term, in the first two terms, and once in the third term, and their non-first year tutees at least once a term. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness.

Each research centre in History runs its own seminar series, which you are welcome to attend. In addition, we have close relations with a range of organisations that support student research. For example, Exeter Cathedral Library is a key centre for the study of medieval history. The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, on campus, houses one of Britain’s largest public collections of books, prints, artefacts and ephemera relating to the history and prehistory of cinema. At the heart of the Centre is the Bill Douglas and Peter Jewell Collection, comprised of approximately 50,000 items.

Programme handbooks and other useful information can be accessed via the student intranet: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/taughthandbook/ 

Other useful information and student resources can be accessed via the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/login/index.php , which has specific information on library skills, essay writing and research skills.

The College complies with the Code of Practice on Study and Work Experience Abroad. The name of the member of staff acting as the programme’s co-ordinator for study abroad is made known to you before you leave Exeter, and this person is responsible for liaison and oversight of your progress during the year abroad. Contact will be maintained with you during your year abroad by regular email communication.

 

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges draw on a range of data to review the quality of educational provision. The College documents the performance in each of its taught programmes, against a range of criteria on an annual basis through the Annual Programme Monitoring cycle:

  • Admissions, progression and completion data
  • In Year Analysis data
  • Previous monitoring report
  • Monitoring of core (and optional) modules
  • External examiner's reports and University and College responses (reported to SSLC)
  • Any Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body/accrediting body or other external reports
  • Consultation with employers and former students
  • Staff evaluation
  • Student evaluation
  • Programme aims

Subject areas are reviewed every four years through a periodic subject review scheme that includes external contributions. (http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/Part%209/9JREVISEDPSRSCHEME.pdf)

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Humanities (CHUM)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) History with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

V103

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits ECTS credits

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] History

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/11/2011

Date of last revision

22/07/2019