Reflective Tasks
To help your transition into the first, second or final year of your degree, the department has designed some reflective activities which you must complete and will discuss with your personal tutor in week 1 of term 1:
Year 1: Warwick Online Learning Fundamentals
All year 1 students should take the Moodle course, Warwick Online Learning Fundamentals which is a great introduction to to tools and techniques used in teaching at Warwick. There are also some specially designed History-specific sections to introduce you to some of the key aspects of studying history at degree level.
As you start your second year of studies the History Department is here to support you in the transition to honours level work. One key element of this support is the regular meetings you will have throughout the year with your personal tutor who will provide advice on all aspects of your academic studies as well as pastoral support for your well being. The first of these meetings will take place in week 1 of term and your personal tutor will be in touch at the beginning of term to arrange a meeting time with you.
To help your personal tutor provide you with tailored advice and support we are asking all new second year students to write a short (500 words maximum) reflection on the following topic:
- ‘Considering the Learning Outcomes for Year 1 (outlined below), what aspect(s) of studying for the first year of my degree made the most impact on me, and why’.
- If you wish you may add an optional paragraph at the end of the reflection which highlights any support you think you will need as you go into your second year.
The reflection needs to be submitted via Tabula by 12 noon on Monday 5th October.
Your personal tutor will read your reflection in advance of your meeting and will give you some feedback which will be recorded on Tabula. The piece will not receive a formal mark.
What is a ‘reflection’?
A reflection is a short piece of writing which asks you to give your opinion on a topic supported with observations and personal examples. There are no right or wrong answers but it is still a piece of academic writing and should be structured as such. There are some tips on writing a reflection here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/producing-reflections/academic-reflections/general-tips
What will your personal tutor be looking for?
Although the piece will not receive a formal mark, you will get feedback and your tutor will be interested in:
- Why you chose the aspect(s) and why they made an impact on you?
- The examples and observations you use.
- What you gained from your first year of study and how you might use this knowledge/experience in the future.
- If you choose to add the optional paragraph on the support you may need, they will also explore with you how they can help you with this.
Learning Outcomes for Year 1
As you think about your studies in the first year, please reflect on the official ‘Learning Outcomes’ for Year 1 of the degree. These are:
On completion of the year/programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:
- demonstrate a broad understanding and detailed knowledge of significant themes in history [and for joint degrees their partner subject];
- deploy a deliberative stance towards past and present societies; the sophisticated use of information, evidence, and argumentation; and the ability to identify and explain continuity and change over time;
- appreciate and employ the main methods of enquiry in the subject and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different methods of enquiry;
- use basic generic and subject specific intellectual qualities i.e.:
- be able to communicate the results of their work;
- present a structured and coherent simple argument;
- be able to interpret and evaluate the underlying concepts and principles of history;
- evaluate a wide range of source material;
- appreciate their strengths and weaknesses as learners;
- demonstrate an awareness of professional and disciplinary boundaries’
As you enter your final year the History Department is here to support you. One key element of this support is the regular meetings you will have throughout the year with your personal tutor who will provide advice on all aspects of your academic studies as well as pastoral support for your well being. The first of these meetings will take place in week 1 of term and your personal tutor will be in touch at the beginning of term to arrange a meeting time with you.
To help your personal tutor provide you with tailored advice and support we are asking all new final year students to write a short (500 words maximum) reflection. There are different topics depending on your programme of study (see below). You may also add an optional paragraph at the end that highlights any support you think you will need as you go into your final year.
The reflection needs to be submitted via Tabula by 12 noon on Monday 5th October.
Your personal tutor will read your reflection in advance of your meeting and will give you some feedback which will be recorded on Tabula. The piece will not receive a formal mark.
Reflection for Single Honours History
- Reflect on your experience of the research project – both practically and intellectually – and how it will help you prepare for your dissertation.
Reflection for Single Honours History Students returning from a Year Abroad
- Reflect on the research skills you gained from your study abroad and how they will help you prepare for your dissertation
Reflection for Joint Honours Students (whose 'home' department is History)
- Reflect on the theme of multi- and interdisciplinarity, its challenges and opportunities.
- If you are doing a history dissertation then consider how your experience will help you prepare for your dissertation
What is a ‘reflection’?
A reflection is a short piece of writing which asks you to give your opinion on a topic supported with observations and personal examples. There are no right or wrong answers but it is still a piece of academic writing and should be structured as such. There are some tips on writing a reflection here:https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/producing-reflections/academic-reflections/general-tips
What will your personal tutor be looking for?
Although the piece will not be marked, you will receive feedback and your tutor will be interested in:
- What made an impact on you?
- The examples and observations you use.
- What you gained from your studies and how you might use this knowledge/experience in the future.
- If you choose to add the optional paragraph on the support you may need, they will also explore with you how they can help you with this.
They will also give you support on contingency planning for your dissertation, if you are doing one, and how to choose (or finalise) a topic.
If you are a joint degree student without a personal tutor in History you will meet with the relevant joint degree co-ordinator.