Module PHL2111 for 2020/1
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL2111: The Deep Past, History and Humanity
This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.
Module Aims
This module will cover five overlapping debates concerning the natures of history, historical knowledge and humanity. The aim is to introduce you to philosophical, archaeological and historiographical considerations of epistemology and method with the skills required to critically engage and reflect upon those considerations. In addition to theoretical knowledge and skills, you will also learn how to incorporate case studies into critical analysis. Some of the lectures will include input from practicing archaeologists, and there will likely be a field trip to tour a museum or a dig.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary debates about historical science and historical knowledge. 2. Critically engage with a case study from humanitys deep past. |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Demonstrate the capacityability to analyse and critique arguments and positions. 4. Synthesize theoretical and empirical information. |
Personal and Key Skills | 5. Critically integrate different disciplinary approaches. 6. Demonstrate clear, concise writing and analysis. |
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
Turner, D. (2007). Making prehistory: Historical science and the scientific realism debate. Cambridge University Press.
Cleland, C. E. (2002). Methodological and epistemic differences between historical science and experimental science. Philosophy of Science, 69(3), 447-451.
Currie, A. (2018). Rock, Bone, and Ruin: An Optimist's Guide to the Historical Sciences. MIT Press.
Chapman, R., & Wylie, A. (2016). Evidential reasoning in archaeology. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Danto, A.C. (1965), Analytical Philosophy of History, London, Cambridge University Press.
Keller, E. F. (2016). Thinking about biology and culture: can the natural and human sciences be integrated?. The Sociological Review, 64(1_suppl), 26-41.
Collingwood, R. G. (1993). The idea of history. Oxford University Press