Theory of historical knowledge

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module FLWG000350 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 30,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1 Instructor(s) Marnix Beyen Bert De Munck Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties No specific prerequisites *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) The students are able to understand academic texts dealing with historical theory and to interpret intelligently the historical culture that surrounds them. They are able to reflect autonomously upon the fundaments of their discipline and on their position as historians in current-day society 3. Course content This course offers an attempt to lay bare the theoretical foundations and the specificities of the historical discipline. During the first part of the course, academical historiography will be situated amidst other (often older and more generalized) manners of dealing with the past. In the second part of the course, the place of the discipline amidst other scientific disciplines will be studied. Finally, these findings on the specificity (and non-specificity) of academic history will be used to assess the relevance of history for society and the responsibilities of the historian toward it. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, without oral presentation Open book Open questions Written assignment: Without oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material A reader will be provided at the start of the course; a syllabus will will be distributed through Blackboard. 7. Recommended reading - study material Mary Fulbrook, Historical Theory, London & New York, Routledge, 2002. John Tosh, The pursuit of history, London e.a., Longman, 3d ed., 2002. 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 23/03/2011 14:44 marnix.beyen