Historical Studies
ASSESSED SUMMER SCHOOL: SUBJECT-SPECIFIC RETURN
This syllabus is for PARTNERS applicants seeking to progress to the degrees of:
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Aims
History (V100)
Politics and History (VL12)
Ancient History and Archaeology (VV14)
Ancient History (V110)
Classical Studies (Q810)
Archaeology (V400)
History & Archaeology (VV41)
Classical Studies & English (QQ83)
Classics (Q800)
To allow students to demonstrate their potential to succeed by showing a grasp of entry level subject-specific knowledge,
understanding, cognitive and subject-specific skills.
Learning Objectives
To provide an introduction to the sources of archaeological and historical information, including maps, field observation,
published records, primary and secondary source material and to develop research skills. To develop students’ awareness of
differing themes within the disciplines of Historical Studies and to develop awareness of the value of interdisciplinary
approaches. To enable students to use information from different sources in order to draw conclusions on the relationship
between people and place and the history of a rural Northumberland community throughout the periods covered and, further, to
express those conclusions effectively.
Learning Outcomes
A good knowledge and understanding of
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The range of sources of archaeological/historical information and how to use them.
The techniques applied by archaeologists and historians to interpret regional history.
The development of Northumberland over the period and how events have shaped the people of the area.
The uses of an interdisciplinary approach.
The relationship between regional history and national history.
The types of sources used in rural history and what rural history is.
The uses of regional history and cases studies in broadening our understanding of history.
The ability to apply this knowledge and critical understanding to
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The relationships between history, archaeology and regional studies.
A case study of one locale and to broaden and relate this knowledge to wider historical trends.
The ability to
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Identify archaeological features from field observation and other sources, to interpret these features and to link them
within the local environment.
To work with an interdisciplinary approach to a local case study.
Locate and draw together information derived from widely differing sources.
Recognise and interpret the events which have shaped the development of the case study locale.
Compare varied forms of information in order to construct an account of: a) the relationships between people and the
place in which they live; b) the development of communities; c) the development and constant re-negotiation of regional
and national identities; d) the development, and importance, of industry and agriculture in the case study area; e) the
uses of an interdisciplinary approach to historical studies.
Competence in
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Recognition of archaeological features using maps and field observation.
Interpreting primary and secondary historical source material.
Locating sources and working independently.
Assimilating a variety of information from different sources.
Drawing conclusions from this evidence.
Expressing conclusions.
Historical Studies
Summer School Syllabus
We will be using the following model for the Summer School (see Document D):
Lectures (most lectures will include a 15 min period of group work, q&a’s, etc)
Lectures
Lecture 1
Introduction to Course, Research and Essay Writing Skills.
Lecture 2
What is History?
Lecture 3
What is Regional History?
Lecture 4
Interdisciplinary Approaches to History
Lecture 5
Historical Archaeology
Lecture 6
Ovenstones Village: interpreting archaeological finds
Lecture 7
In the Shadow of the Sacred Mountain: an introduction to Upper Coquetdale
Lecture 8
Forged in War: conflict and Upper Coquetdale
Lecture 9
Sword into Ploughshares: rural history and Upper Coquetdale
Lecture 10
Introduction to local Archives Services
Lecture 11
Essay Writing
Seminars (Two Groups)
Seminar 1
Interdisciplinary Approaches to History
Seminar 2
Researching a Regional Case Study
Field Trips
Field Trip (1)
Great North Museum
Field Trip 2 (tbc)
Activities for Personal Study
Historical Studies
 Locate further source material specific to chosen topic for assessed essay topic.
 Background reading, guided by reading list.
Resources
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Further reading list.
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Module Guide.
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Assorted handouts of specific source material.
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Essay writing guide.
Assessment
The task will be split into ten essay questions (one to be chosen):
1. What is History?
2. How do regional studies contribute to wider historical knowledge?
3. To what extent has industry played a part in the development of Northumberland or Upper Coquetdale (pick one)?
4. How does an interdisciplinary approach aid in a regional case study?
5. Are Archaeology and History branches of the same discipline?
6. To what extent do the archaeological remains and historiography of Northumberland or Upper Coquetdale (pick one)
allow us to interpret the development of the area?
7. Why did the people of Upper Coquetdale build hillforts and what were the possible reasons for their falling into disuse?
8. How has agriculture shaped the development of Northumberland or Upper Coquetdale (pick one)?
9. How has conflict and warfare shaped the development of Northumberland or Upper Coqetdale (pick one)
10. How do the archaeological remains of Upper Coquetdale help us to understand pre-Roman Northumberland?
Assessment cont.
Please confirm what method of hand-in will be used?
 Electronic via Blackboard
Monday 25th July