Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit focuses on local and community history, and investigates concepts of community, the relationship between people and place and the connection between past and present. Students will study methods of historical research including oral history, photographic interpretation and material culture. Through the assignments that include designing an exhibition panel and undertaking a community history research project, students will acquire the skills of writing for a community audience.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the landscape, people and institutions around them;
2. Reflect on different scholarly approaches to researching and presenting community history;
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the reasons why communities write their histories;
4. Demonstrate insights into the roles of historians;
5. Formulate a viable research question on community history, and identify a central focus for research;
6. Develop a structured project with a logical introduction and conclusion, and provide correct scholarly references.

1. Demonstrate the ability to formulate a research project that is based largely on documentary materials; and
2. Critically engage with primary and secondary sources, to recognise scholarly debates and position their argument in relation to these approaches.

Assessment

Written work: 90%
2 hour exam: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Julie Fenley

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Writing
History-politics
Community studies

Prerequisites

ATS1312 and ATS1898 or HPL1504 or equivalent

Prohibitions

ATS3566, GSC2506, GSC3513, HPL2506, HPL3506