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Evidence and Interpretation: Controversies in European History - EURO3000
 Students studying

   
   
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 12 units of credit at the EURO2000 level at credit level or better; Excluded: HIST3905
 
 
Equivalent: HIST3905
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
  

Description

From the famous controversy between E H Carr and Geoffrey Elton, sparked by Carr's 'What is History?' half a century ago, to the more recent 'postmodernism' debate, historians have been sharply divided over such key issues in historiography as the relative importance of empirical evidence, theories, moral values, and narrative subjectivity. Explores these issues through both the major writings of the key protagonists in these debates, and case studies of three of the most celebrated 'wars of interpretation' in European history: the English Civil War, the French Revolution, and the rise of Nazism in Germany.


Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of why historians of different theoretical 'schools' continue to interpret important historical events in very different ways and be therefore better equipped to handle similar differences and controversies which they will inevitably confront in their Honours work and beyond.

Assessment

  • Research essay (3000 words) - 50%
  • Two reading assignments - 40% (20% each)
  • Seminar participation - 10%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.