131-544 Applications in Public History

Usually admission to the MA program, a postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in Public History.

Applications in Public History is a compulsory core module for the MA Public History. The subject reviews the development of Public, or Applied History in Australia and overseas, and examines the major methodological features of this important and relatively new sub discipline. It applies and extends students' academic skills in researching and communicating history, involving students in collaborative projects in applied history. The subject focuses upon the effective communication of historical knowledge across academic disciplines and beyond the academy, including communicating history in museums and through new information technologies. It reflects upon the interactions between history making and public knowledge, and between history professionals, related specialists and the wider community. Students will gain a general understanding of current museum practice, cultural heritage conservation, cultural environments as historical documents, oral history and archival methods, local, family and institutional history, and new information technologies in Australia, together with a working knowledge of Internet technologies for accessing and communicating historical resources and knowledge.

• 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;

• have an understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);

• be able to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society.

A written assignment of 5000 words 100% (due end of semester).