HYM5170 - Public history placement

Leader: Professor Alistair Thomson

Offered

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

Synopsis

A period of work experience in the public history field involving about eighty hours of work placement, which may be taken in a museum, heritage organisation, as an assistant to a freelance historian or similar. A short series of seminars introduces students to the idea of public history, and the diverse opportunities for employment in the field. Students pursue a practical project during the placement resulting in a substantial report or other piece of written work.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course students will be expected to have developed a network of professional contacts in public history and negotiated (in consultation with the subject co-ordinator) a period of work experience. Students will be expected to develop their understanding of the practical and ethical challenges of working as a public historian, and to develop high levels of presentation and communication skills.

Assessment

Reflective essay (1500 words): 15%
Oral presentation: 10%
Placement project (6000 words): 75%

Contact hours

2 hour seminar each week for 4 weeks (held in the evening)

Prohibitions

Only available in the Masters of Public History