Module manager: Katie Carpenter
Email: K.Carpenter@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
What’s the point in studying history? What impact do historians, and the study of History, have on the world today... in practice? By studying examples of public history, this module explores the place history has in society today. In this first half of the module, we closely examine some case-studies of history’s role today. Themes may include: environmental history; history and policy; race and activism; and television and media. In the second half of the module, we consider what skills are needed to do history in practice, and what considerations need to be made to make history that is ethical and accessible. You will work in groups to pitch your own historical project that aims to make a difference in the world today.
This module explores the relationship between the study of history and the world today. Learning activities are designed to get you thinking about how history projects can influence and impact real-world challenges, and to develop your skills in pitching and creating your own impactful projects.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically analyse representations of the past in public.
2. Identify and assess opportunities to create social value through public history.
3. Generate ideas and demonstrate original thinking in designing a public history project.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Gather information and perspectives from a range of sources.
5. Persuasively communicate and use appropriate rhetorical strategies.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Student-led discussion | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1.5 | 7.5 |
| Private study hours | 177.1 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.9 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In preparation for the first assessment, students will have the option to discuss their proposed topic for their review with an indicative bibliography. Students will receive either written or verbal feedback depending on their preference.
In preparation for the second assessment, student groups will have 2 timetabled tutorials with their tutor, to discuss ideas and receive verbal feedback on work in progress.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Review | 40 |
| Coursework | Group project | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit for the second assessment to be an individual project (on a smaller scale than the original) on a different topic.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 03/07/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team