GSC3504

Theories and research in history and politics

David Schmitt and Beth Edmondson

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Gippsland and distance
* Prerequisites: Two second-level history-politics subjects

Objectives On completion of the subject students should have developed an understanding of the nature of history and politics, their development as separate disciplines, and the major theoretical and methodological debates. The research component of this subject introduces students to the practical aspects of history and politics and at completion of this section the students should have a deeper appreciation of the knowledge and skills required to produce high quality research and written presentations.

Synopsis The subject introduces students to the methodologies of history and political science. It focuses on the development of a critical approach to research and method in history, political science and the social sciences. Students will develop the ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to questions on the nature of assumptions, facts, values, objectivity, hypotheses, quantification, causation and explanation. Students are required to prepare a research paper on an original history or politics topic drawn from an issue in the methodology of history or politics or from a general area of interest in either of these disciplines. The research essay will involve the use of primary sources, data bases, survey work and/or the use of statistical packages.

Assessment Seminar paper (1500 words): 30%
* Method essay (1500 words): 30%
* Research essay (3000 words): 40%

Prescribed texts

Barzun J and Graff H F The modern researcher HBJ, 1989
Carr E H What is history? Penguin, 1989
Marwick A The nature of history Macmillan, 1989