To introduce students to a range of key themes in cultural history and to consider how historians have studied those themes with reference to a series of particular case-studies;

To explore relevant concepts and approaches in cultural history;

To engage in the critical evaluation of historical and theoretical texts.

(LO1) A systematic knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of key themes and approaches in the study of Cultural History

(LO2) An ability to engage with current historiographical and theoretical debates appropriate to MA level in an informed, analytical and critical manner

(LO3) An ability to interpret and evaluate a diverse range of primary source material critically and empathetically, while addressing questions of content, genre, authorship, and audience

(LO4) The acquisition of practical academic skills, demonstrated through task-based activities including compiling a bibliography, writing and discussing essays, adopting correct citation practice, leading workshops and giving oral presentations

(LO5) The acquisition of research-related skills such as literature searches, formulating and evaluating research questions and strategies, the ability to gather, select and organize large quantities of evidence and the critical reading of texts

(LO6) An ability to develop arguments that systematically and creatively organize, synthesize and present clearly large bodies of historical and literary material in written and oral form

(S1) Good time-keeping and readiness to accept responsibility

(S2) Team-working, respect for others reasoned views, flexibility and adaptability

(S3) Gathering, analysing and organising information

(S4) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of oral expression

(S5) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of written expression

(S6) Positive attitude, appropriate assertiveness, initiative and self-direction

(S7) Planning and organisational skills

(S8) Understanding, intellectual integrity and being sensitive to different cultures

(S9) Empathy and imaginative insight

The following seminar schedule is indicative of the scope of the module. Please note that the selection of case-studies will vary from year to year according to staff availability:

Introduction - what is cultural history?

Imperial Eyes: Travel writing and transculturation;

Pratt in practice;

Paris: Capital of modernity;

Culture and modernity in Liverpool city centre;

Marrow of tragedy: The health crisis of the American Civil War;

Vampires, dragons and Egyptian Kings: Youth gangs in postwar New York;

Gangs: media coverage and comparative perspectives;

The nuclear borderlands;

The nuclear borderlands, photography and film; Workshop: preparing your assignment

Seminar:
The module will be taught through weekly two-hour seminars, usually based on roundtable discussion, in conjunction with informal, mini-lectures and group work. Independent reading and reflection are key aspects of the course, and students are expected to read widely in preparation for each seminar. Students are encouraged to submit two 1,000-word sections of their assignment in draft, so that they can receive feedback on their work-in-progress from members of the teaching team before preparing the final assignment of 6,000 words.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.