Module manager: Professor Simon Hall
Email: S.D.Hall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
You will explore approaches to the writing of American history from the advent of professionalization in the late nineteenth century through the culture wars of the 1980s and 1990s. In doing so you will encounter some of the major interpretative schools in, and most influential practitioners of, American history. A central theme of the module will be the debate over whether 'objectivity' should be a cornerstone of the historian's craft, and you will consider the extent to which historians, and historical writing, have been influenced by the concerns of the present. As well as being introduced to some of the most influential scholarship in American historiography, you will also be encouraged to reflect on your own approach to studying and writing about the past. 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.
Beginning with a more general discussion of the meaning(s) of ‘objectivity’, ‘relativism’ and ‘presentism’, our seminars will explore the shifting place of these ideas within the historical profession by, typically, focusing on particular interpretative ‘schools’ or trends in U.S. history writing and/or the particular contribution(s) made by some of the professions leading figures.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Evaluate the arguments about the attainability and desirability of objectivity within historical scholarship.
2. Assess the complex relationship between contemporaneous events and the writing of American history.
3. Effectively convey the epistemological approach of a particular U.S. historian.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Effectively communicate complex ideas.
5. Employ analytical and problem-solving abilities.
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 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You will receive informal feedback during our in-class discussion; time will be made available during the seminar programme to discuss the dialogue or (‘mock interview’) assignment, you will be offered concise written feedback on assessed essay plans and ideas and you will be invited to discuss your ideas with the module tutor in persons.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Dialogue / mock interview | 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
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team