BA History and Sociology

Year 2

(Award available for year: Diploma of Higher Education)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the year/programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:

1. Demonstrate, especially through work on option modules, a broad understanding of:
- chronological continuity and change (hbp #16);
- how people have existed, acted and thought in a range of societies and cultures (hbp #12.1 and 17);
- techniques for close work on sources, both primary and/or secondary (hbp #18).

2. Apply generic and subject specific intellectual qualities, such as those listed below, to a further range of historical periods and problems:
- Critical and empathetic reading and use of texts or other source materials (hbp 12.2).
- Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of past cultures (hbp 12.3).
- Appreciation of the problematic nature of historical interpretation and evidence (hbp 12.4).
- Critical evaluation of historical evidence (hbp 12.5).
- Intellectual independence (hbp 12.6).
- Marshalling and communicating of argument, both oral and written (hbp 12.7).

3. Appreciate, employ and critically evaluate some of the main approaches to history (hbp #20).

4. Use a range of techniques and approaches to analyse data and information.

5. Understand and reflect upon the nature of history and the limitations of historical evidence. (hbp #19).

6. Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms.

In addition to the outcomes achieved in Year 1, on completion of the year/programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques which are standard features in a range of aspects of the discipline;
- apply generic and subject specific intellectual qualities to standard situations outside the context in which they were originally studied;
- appreciate and employ the main methods of enquiry in the subject and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different methods of enquiry;
- use a range of techniques to initiate and undertake the analysis of data and information;
- adjust to professional and disciplinary boundaries;
- effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

1. Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, such as independence of mind, initiative, teamwork, locating and handling information, analytical ability, problem-solving, oral and written communication, intellectual integrity, empathy (hbp #14).
2. Skills necessary for exercising of personal responsibility, including self-discipline and self-direction (hbp #14).
3. Decision-making.

Students will have had the opportunity to practise as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment related to the subject area(s) studied;
- skills necessary for the exercising of personal responsibility;
- decision making.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:

- Oral assessment (or small written exercise)
- Essay writing
- Participation in electronic discussion groups
- Examinations

To demonstrate:

- Ability to apply a broad range of aspects / competencies of the discipline to standard historical problems.
- Ability to produce work that draws on a wide variety of material.
- Ability to evaluate and criticise received historical opinion.

The learning context for this year/award will be simple if unpredictable and complex if predictable. The study will be structured within a framework of tasks that provide breadth of study and proficiency in the application of concepts and techniques.