131-545 Writing and Making Histories

Formerly available as 131-438. Students who have completed 131-438 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually admission to an MA program in public history or history or a postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history or public history.

This subject is a core module for the MA in public history. It focuses upon varied approaches to the presentation of history in the public sphere, examining how histories are made through visual images and material culture as well as through text-based communication. Students will consider how historical research may be effectively conveyed to a range of audiences, how we might read and consume histories, and the diverse forms of historical writing (eg. journalism, local histories, journal articles, commissioned works, exhibitions, television or radio documentaries and so on). The subject also examines the selection and editing of sources, the legal and ethical obligations associated with publication, and the impact of technologies on the writing of histories. Some seminars will be attended by writers and other professionals with relevant expertise, and students will extend and apply their own research and communication skills by producing their own history publications.

• 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 essay of 5000 words 100% (due at the end of semester).