Themes and Approaches in Global and Comparative History
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| HIST4070 | History | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- HIST4070
- School
- History
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module aims to introduce students to some of the emerging debates around Global History and related fields (e.g., transnational history, indigenous history, etc), as well as the methodologies, concepts and theories that are unique to this field. It is also designed to help students engage with debates around themes in Global History based on case studies tied to specific regions of the world (usually beyond Western Europe and North America). Areas normally covered in the module include East, South and Southeast Asia; Africa; Eastern Europe and Central Asia; and the Middle East (depending on staff availability).
In the first 2 to 3 weeks of the module, students will be introduced to broad debates around the field of Global History itself. Themes for this period of the module may include:
- Why is it important to study modern history beyond Western Europe and North America – especially at present?
- What are meant by terms such as “Global History”, “Transnational History”, “Area Studies”, “colonial history” - and what are the differences in such approaches that change how we look at the past?
- What sorts of methods, sources and theories are used by historians who work in these fields, and how do these differ (or not differ) from those adopted in other fields of history
Thereafter, weekly topics will cover important and emerging themes within Global history, but will do so by focusing on debates that relate to specific parts of the world. These may include:
- Migration
- Gender
- Violence and conflict
- Empire
- Decolonisation
- Religion
- Space and environment
- Science and medicine
- Inequalities
- Race
Therefore, when examining debates around, say “Migration”, students might explore this with reference to a specific debate on this theme that historians of South Asia are examining; when considering “empire”, students might consider debates about the nature of the Japanese empire in Asia
Target Students
History, but students from some other units in Faculty of Arts and potentially Faculty of Social Studies may also wish to take this module and should be permitted to do so. Exchange students of an appropriate level and background would be welcome.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Presentation: 20 minute presentations.
- 60% Coursework 1: 1 x 3000 word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and approaches to explore history beyond European regions and perspectives. Focusing on themes, such as, migration, methods of doing global and transnational history, decolonization, race, science and medicine, and histories of inequalities, the module allows students to engage with cutting-edge research and recent trends in history. The geographical focus of the module encompasses South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe (depending on staff availability each year).To think critically about the importance of studying the past as it pertains to societies beyond Western Europe and North America.To develop familiarity with different theories, concepts and methodological approaches that are commonly used in Global history and cognate fields.To be able to assess and evaluate competing historical interpretations around specific debates in Global History. To present written work related to global history in a clear manner, and supported by evidence, and in keeping with scholarly conventions (e.g., with regards to footnotes, bibliography).Learning Outcomes
To think critically about the importance of studying the past as it pertains to societies beyond Western Europe and North America.
To develop familiarity with different theories, concepts and methodological approaches that are commonly used in Global history and cognate fields.
To be able to assess and evaluate competing historical interpretations around specific debates in Global History.
To present written work related to global history in a clear manner, and supported by evidence, and in keeping with scholarly conventions (e.g., with regards to footnotes, bibliography).