Aims, Objectives, and Assessment
Module Aims and Outcomes
The aim of this module is to develop critical understanding of the meanings and significance of 'truth' in early modern Britain through a variety of topics. You will be introduced to a variety of perspectives and approaches and will develop a conceptual and practical understanding of the skills required by historians and scholars from different disciplines.
This module sets out:
- To explore the complex concept of truth in contemporary discourse and early modern debates from a variety of different perspectives and approaches that have seldom been brought together.
- To develop a conceptual and practical understanding of a variety of different aspects of early modern history.
- To examine how ideas of truth and notions of truth telling have shaped the historical discipline.
- To support students in developing skills in critical analysis and to make connections between the different weeks of the module.
- Foster students’ ability to engage with a variety of primary sources and methodological approaches.
Module Assessment
30 CATS version
- 1500 word primary source analysis (25%)
- 4000 word essay (65%)
- Seminar contribution (10%)
20 CATS version
- 3500 word essay (90%)
- Seminar contribution (10%)
Submission deadlines: week 4 of term 1 and week 1 of term 2.
1500-Word Primary Source Analysis Instructions (for 30 CATs)
3500/4000-Word Essay Instructions
How do I identify my topic and question?
The essay for this module should align with a topic that has interested you from the nine thematic weeks covered by the module. In the opening seminar, you will be encouraged to identify particular topics and themes of interest to you, which may help you to focus your interests and reading over the remaining weeks of the module.
You will be encouraged to formulate your own question under the guidance of one of the tutors. This essay is normally based on one of the module's weekly themes. If you are interested in writing on a different topic, you should consult with the module convenor/s in advance of the deadline, so that they can ensure you are meeting the learning objectives of the module.
What support is available to me?
There will be many opportunities for you to discuss your ideas for this assignment. Time will be devoted in the seminar in Week 10 to discussing and presenting your ideas to your peers.
You are encouraged to meet with the module convenors by appointment or in office hours to discuss your ideas, and/or to email with queries.
Individual module tutors will also be able to provide you with support on reading and suggested sources for any topics on which you are interested in writing your essay.
What does a good essay look like and how will it be assessed?
The final essay is being assessed in the following areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Argument
- Presentation
A good essay will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topics. In particular, by showing an ability to conduct an in- depth critical review of historical works, involving independent assessment of strengths and weaknesses, analysis of methodology and theory, and reflection on position within the field.
- Develop an argument that shows a broader awareness of the the chosen theme in relation to the field of the history of truth through independent research and reading.
- The essay should be analytical in its presentation and should avoid description.
- Those essays achieving the highest marks will demonstrate originality and creativity through the inclusion of a broad range of primary and secondary sources that go beyond the texts on the weekly reading lists [note the strong emphasis on primary source engagement in the assessment criteria for merit and distinction below].
- Be well presented. The argument should be logically structured and written in continuous prose. (You may find it useful to divide the discussion into sub-sections for clarity.)
- It should be proofread, with few grammatical or spelling errors; written clearly and concisely; and follow the 'Academic Referencing and Style Guide' on the student hub pages for referencing and bibliographic information.
Participation and learning throughout the module will enhance the quality of the final assignment. Your essay will benefit from coming prepared to seminars, and showing good engagement through involvement in whole group and small group discussion, as this may take your analysis in directions you hadn't previously anticipated.
How will feedback be provided?
Feedback will be provided via Tabula 20 working days after submission. You will have the opportunity in Term 2 to meet individually with the markers to discuss the feedback you have received.
How will the essay be marked?
The essay will be marked according to the departmental marking scale. Further information about what is expected at each level of the scale is available in the Postgraduate Taught Handbook: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/students/pgt/coursework/#markingscale
The History department specific marking criteria cover the following areas