Module manager: Dr Kimberley Thomas
Email: k.e.thomas@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the diverse and complex ways in which historians have approached the study of the past during the modern era. Focusing on how the profession has changed since the rise of historicism in the late nineteenth century, it introduces you to some of the most important developments in historical method and examines the challenges and influences from other disciplines. This module encourages you to think about, and reflect on, your own practice as historians. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Drawing on a range of historiographical theories and methods, the objective of this module is to introduce students to the evolution of the historical discipline and critically analyse different approaches to the past.
This primary objective is achieved through the module’s unique bipartite structure. Part One’s lecture series and weekly proctorials introduce you to ten different approaches and covers multiple fields in History. Having built this broad foundation of understanding, Part Two then gives you the opportunity to home in on one field of History in greater depth. Across three seminars, you will track and critically evaluate how approaches to its study have changed over time.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically assess the evolution of the historical profession in the modern era.
2. Effectively appraise different historiographical approaches and methods.
3. Evaluate the value and challenges of different historiographical approaches and methods.
4. Critically analyse how methodological innovations and scholarly debates have impacted upon a particular field of History.
5. Reflect insightfully upon the discipline of History and critically assess the value of different historical approaches.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
6. Communicate complex ideas tailored to the needs of an academic audience.
7. Synthesise and evaluate multiple sources of information to form evidence-based arguments.
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 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 3 | 1.5 | 4.5 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 180.1 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19.9 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
For both essays, you will have the opportunity to meet with your tutor to receive formative feedback on a one-page plan and bibliography.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 40 |
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team