approaches to ancient history general introduction tb1, 2005-6
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Approaches to Ancient History
General Introduction
TB1, 2005-6
Approaches to Ancient History
‘Theory of history’; ‘Theory in history’ Not learning facts, but investigating how
historians create ‘facts’. Not interpreting evidence, but thinking
about how historians go about this. Not taking historical practice for
granted, but examining it critically.
Approaches to Ancient History
Learning Outcomes Familiarity with key issues in theory and philosophy of
history and the use of theory in ancient history Experience in application of different theories to study
of particular topics Ability to use knowledge to construct coherent,
relevant and persuasive arguments Experience in developing skills in written and oral
communication in a range of formats
Approaches to Ancient History
Credit, attendance, preparation Further information:
http://www.eis.bris.ac.uk/~clndgm/approaches.htm
Contact
Approaches to Ancient History
Assessment: the Portfolio A range of material focusing on a particular topic in
ancient history and the theoretical approaches that could be used to study it
No fixed length, no limit on number of exercises Minimum five exercises: research outline, book
review, theory discussion, theoretical evaluation and reflective journal
The point is to show how your ideas develop; it doesn’t all have to be perfect.
Approaches to Ancient History
First key task: research outline Identify topic – something already familiar? Identify the key issues and debates List the key bibliography, with comments Note the major sources of evidence
No class on Thursday: work on this!