Teaching and assessment for History and Philosophy MA (Hons)

School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law

Teaching

We use a wide range of teaching methods, from lectures to small group discussions and seminars.

Most modules in Levels 1 and 2 have two lectures and one tutorial or workshop group meeting each week. In Levels 3 and 4 you will have fewer lectures and more small discussion group meetings per week.

Study trips, including trips to local archives and museums, are an important part of the history course.

For the philosophy lectures you will be introduced to the major themes and topics of a philosopher or philosophical problem. For the tutorials you will question and develop your own world views, construct arguments to defend them, and put together projects in small groups to illustrate them.

You will also engage in independent reading and research, with specially designed worksheets and assignments to help you to do this most effectively.

At Levels 1 and 2 you will have a tutor who leads the weekly tutorial discussion and who is there to help you if you need advice.

Assessment

Assessments for both subjects are carried out by coursework and examinations, and vary in type and weighting from module to module.

In history modules methods of assessment include:

Essays
Presentations
Source exercises
Wiki projects
Journals/blogs
Examinations

In philosophy modules methods of assessment include:

essays
tutorial performance
exams
online journals / online discussions

In Level 4 you can apply the skills you have learned by writing a dissertation on a topic of your own choice.

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: HU11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module provides you with a sense of the different roles that Humanities can play in today’s world by examining and contextualising several current issues and concepts around the question of the future through a study of examples based mainly upon historical, literary, and philosophical texts.

Humanities in Practice full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: EN11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module will introduce you to university-level work in Literary Studies. We focus on the three main genres of drama, poetry, and the novel, using examples from various times in literary history.

Introduction to Literary Study full module details

Module code: EN12014 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module explores the strengths and weaknesses of differing theories of literary interpretation. You will read poems, plays, and novels from a variety of historical periods together with works of literary theory while exploring weekly topics e.g. Beginnings, Character, Satire, Love and Desire, Secrets, The Body, and Fear and Terror.

Approaches to Reading full module details

Module code: HU12003 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module centres on Memory as a key concept in Humanities. Recent thinking has focussed on the nature of personal, collective, and cultural memory as shapers of individuals and society.

Rather than a stable repository, Memory is understood to be unreliable, conflicted, contested, transitory, and political

Making Memory full module details

Module code: HY11004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Revolutions is a key concept in modern political and intellectual history. But why do we refer to particular political event as 'revolutions'? How does the label 'revolution' affect how political ideologists and historians have interpreted the significance, the causes and consequences of highly complex and turbulent events in modern history.

Revolutions in World History full module details

Module code: HY11005 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module studies the exchange of goods, people, and ideas that tied together Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

It explores the origins of globalization and provides a comparative understanding of the development of European empires in Africa and the Americas.

The Rise of Atlantic Empires, 1500-1750 full module details

Module code: PF11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop basic linguistic knowledge. You will learn cultural awareness and transferable communication skills. These will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Applied French 1A (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PF11003 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills. This will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A2-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skill areas.

Applied French 1A full module details

Module code: PF12002 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Develop basic linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills. These will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all skill areas and selected skill areas of A2

Applied French 1B (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PF12004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills. This will be of use to you in your personal and professional lives.

You will work within the level of B1 to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skill areas.

Applied French 1B full module details

Module code: PI11007 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This is a dynamic course on modern philosophy that explores the realms of thought and reality. It uncovers the minds that shape today's philosophical discussions, as it dives into the rich tapestry of contemporary philosophy.

Descartes, Thought and Reality full module details

Module code: PS11001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop basic linguistic knowledge. You will learn cultural awareness and transferable communication skills. These will be of use to you in your personal and professional life.

You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Applied Spanish 1A (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PS11003 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills which will be of use to you in your personal and professional life. You will work within the level of A2-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skills areas.

Applied Spanish 1A full module details

Module code: PS12002 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Develop basic linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills which will be of use to you in your personal and professional life. You will work within the level of A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all skills areas and selected skill areas of A2

Applied Spanish 1B (Intensive) full module details

Module code: PS12004 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

You will develop linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and transferable communication skills which will be of use to you in your personal and professional lives. You will work within the level of B1 to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in all skill areas.

Applied Spanish 1B full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: AG20001 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

For undergraduate students seeking to gain a better understanding of career planning process.

Ideal for anyone who wants to get started with choosing a career path or make plans towards their future. Suitable for students who need the flexibility of online learning.

Career Planning Module Online full module details

Module code: AG22037 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

This module will provide work experience alongside university study to further enhance employability and help you plan for your future.

It will suit students who can bring a professional attitude to their internship and are keen to take practical steps towards developing transferable skills for their future.

Internship full module details

Module code: HY22007 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

This module explores important issues in contemporary America by examining its historical and cultural background. It also places the United States within a broader global context by making specific comparisons with the history of South Africa. This module focuses particularly on issues such as race, gender, violence, and colonialism.

American Culture and Society in Context full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: PI42014 Credits: 30 Semester: Semester 1

Dive into the heart of philosophy with "Phenomenology: Exploring Openness and Attunement." This module is your gateway to understanding the ways in which philosophical thinking has evolved over time and how it shapes our understanding of the world today.

Fundamental texts in the European tradition - Phenomenology full module details

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