HYM5100 - Public history research project

Leader: Professor Alistair Thomson

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2008 (Evening)
Caulfield Second semester 2008 (Evening)

Synopsis

A sustained research project in public history, encompassing approaches to cultural heritage, oral history, community history, museums and history in the media. For most students this will take the form of a commissioned historical project, although students may also pursue a topic of methodological or theoretical interest in public history. A short series of seminars will introduce students to research in public history, and students will be assisted in the negotiation of a suitable topic with a commissioning agency.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject will be expected to demonstrate an ability to devise and carry out a commissioned research project, and to develop an understanding of the practical, methodological and ethical issues relating to such work. Students will be expected to further develop their conceptual and communication skills, to read widely and independently and to demonstrate resourcefulness in their archival research.

Assessment

Research brief (1000 words): 10%
Research project (8000 words): 90%

Contact hours

2-hour seminar each week for four weeks (held in the evening)

Prohibitions

Only available in the Master of Public History