Course Catalogue

The premise of the History and English degree is to encourage students to explore how the moment is captured and articulated in the present and also in terms of the past. Given the complementary nature of these two distinct subject areas students come to benefit from the development of critical thinking, close reading of source material and sustained arguments as a means to enhance their overall performance. Through the investigation of historical and contemporary issues students develop clarity of thought, problem-solving ability and facility in communication, whilst widening their experience and developing qualities of perception and judgment. The distinctive features of the programme are: Its core emphasis on reflexivity, the development of ability to reflect critically on the nature of History and English. This complemented by a concentration on the analysis of a variety of texts and genres across both subject areas. A concentration on the modern and contemporary epochs in the programme provides a foundation for understanding issues in present society. The close relationship between teaching and subject enhancement activities. The fruits of both staff and student research, conference and festival hosting and, subject societies are used actively to further learning and students can have direct experience of work taking place at the frontiers of knowledge. Its commitment to internationalisation, both in terms of the broad geographical range of modules but also opportunity to avail of the extensive international activities through Erasmus+. Within this context the aims of the programme are: To offer a balanced and coherent programme of study to students from varied backgrounds choosing to study History and English. The field of study is guided by the QAA Benchmark Statements for both History and English. To provide students with a sound body of knowledge in History and English as well as giving them access to a diverse range of source material, cultural forms and genres from the sixteenth century to the present. To provide an intellectually challenging programme that develops critical insight into the nature and problems of study in the humanities and the problematics of reading and issues of language, representation and meaning through attention to the dynamics and histories of textual production, reception and interpretation. To offer the opportunity for students to develop transferable skills within a practical and critical environment that progressively encourages increased responsibility for autonomous learning. To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement.

Surveys of periods and issues in history and literature, and frameworks for interpreting them, are made in lectures and other tutor-led teaching including seminars, workshops and field trips. Learning is consolidated, exemplified and used in the more student-centred contexts of workshops, source focussed classes and seminars. The assessment of knowledge is particularly sought through essays, examinations and project portfolios. The testing of understanding is focused on essays and examinations but is also achieved through alternative assessment practices including class presentations and discussions, posters and digital outputs. Lectures and less formal tutor-led exposition in smaller groups and workshops aim to set cognitive developments in motion. Workshop discussion is the prime place for learning and developing these skills which are achieved through practice and structured discussions of sources and arguments. Small group settings are also used to set appropriate individual goals in relation to writing, research and reading, essay and examination preparation. Varied types of assessment including examinations, essays, projects, source analysis, blogs, posters allow the testing of prior cognitive development and develop and measure students’ intellectual skills alongside their knowledge and understanding. Essays and exams offer the opportunity to undertake critical analyses and focus directly on an ability to construct rigorous argument. The variety of assessments offered provides a lateral means for students to approach intellectual development, with attention paid to students with particular needs (SENDA compliant). All teaching and learning activities focus on developing and improving communication skills: lectures enable students to become effective listeners who can assimilate ideas and information; discussions in workshops and small group settings develop spoken communication skills, collaboration and interpersonal skills. Preparation and independent study, as with other humanities subjects, outweighs contact time and students are supported to work independently (guided by tutors) developing their own ideas and understanding of literary and historical subjects. All assessment utilised on the degree encourages students to develop their communication skills and to present arguments and ideas with precision and clarity. Achievement of good time management and organizational skills is demonstrated by students completing work on time to a satisfactory standard. The programme progression moves students steadily towards the acceptance of more responsibility for independent learning, while the various assessment tasks, together with workshop activities, are the prime place for learning these skills through daily subject specific practice. The skills outlined above are central to every activity that is undertaken as part of the degree. The development of transferable skills is a core aim of the programme, allowing students to apply their knowledge and aptitude in a variety of employability settings.

 The programme’s e-ILP, an individual learning plan system, provides opportunities for students to reflect on and document their achievements inside and outside of university and think about future employability paths. The associated enhanced activities such as conferences and festivals also offer students the opportunity to manage and facilitate these events and gain further skills and knowledge in related career paths.