131-443 Social and Cultural History

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

What are the most useful ways of approaching the history of those people about whom the 'historical record', until recently, has been silent? This subject considers debates about the nature of social and cultural history and examples of approaches to it, including studies of urban and rural history, ethnicity and gender, popular protest and the history of ideas. Case studies of recent social history are used, ranging from 18th century France and 19th century Russia to 20th century Australia. On completion of the subject students should be able to reflect critically on different understandings of 'history' and on a variety of methodological and theoretical approaches to its practice.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

An oral class presentation 10% (during the semester), a written class paper of 2000 words 35% (due one week after oral presentation) and an essay of 3000 words 55% (due at the end of semester).