131-549 History and Place

Usually admission to MA, postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in History

This subject explores one of the core parameters in both historical study and cultural organisation: place. It draws upon the academic strengths of various members of the history program in order to assess the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of place in historical analysis, and to apply these assessments in a series of case studies. These may include such topics as the conflicting understandings of such liminal places as the slum and the 'Never Never', Tangier's twin reputation as the crossroads of civilisation and the world's wickedest city, the construction of Shanghai as a site of modernity, and public projection and promotion of Nuremberg as a city with a complex and chequered history.

• think broadly and critically about a fundamental parameter in both historical analysis and cultural organisation;

• develop their interpretative and communication skills;

• be able to think critically and analyse complex issues and be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• develop the ability to research in depth primary materials relating to such issues;

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

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

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