units

ATS3797

Faculty of Arts

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

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

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
Monash Passport categoryResearch Challenge (Investigate Program)
OfferedGippsland Second semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)Dr Julie Fenwick

Notes

Previously coded HPL3504

Synopsis

This unit provides students with a broad understanding of the nature and practice of history and politics. The subject aims to encourage students to critically examine different theoretical approaches and to reflect on how these influence their own work. Students will also learn about historical and political research methods and will be required to critically examine their own methods of interpreting sources and writing about historical and political issues and events.

Outcomes

This unit is designed to equip students with an understanding of important theories and to provide knowledge of and skills in historical and political research methods.

Students successfully completing this subject will be able to demonstrate skills in:

  1. Formulating a viable research question around which an argument can be constructed, and identifying a central focus with clear parameters for research.

  1. Locating primary and secondary sources, and carrying out independent research.

  1. Providing and critically analyzing evidence in support of an argument.

  1. Reflecting upon the difficulties of objectivity in history and politics and the importance of analyzing the contexts in which texts and data are produced.

  1. Reviewing historical/political texts, questioning conclusions and recognizing historical and political debates.

  1. Developing a structured project with a logical introduction and conclusion and presenting a sustained argument based largely on documentary sources.

  1. Utilizing conventions in academic writing by providing correct citation, footnoting and bibliographic details.

Assessment

Research Proposal (1000 words): 35%
Literature Review (1000 words): 25%
Research Essay (2500 words): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Julie Fenwick

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial)

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

History-politics

Prerequisites

12 points of second year history-politics

Prohibitions

GSC3504, HPL3504