Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL3111: The Deep Past, History and Humanity

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. Demonstrate deep understanding of contemporary debates about historical science and historical knowledge. 2. Critically engage with a case study from humanitys deep past and how it relates to contemporary philosophical disputes.
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. Demonstrate a thorough capacity to analyse and critique arguments and positions. 4. Synthesize theoretical and empirical information in illuminating ways.
Personal and Key Skills	5. Critically integrate different disciplinary approaches. 6. Demonstrate clear, concise and effective writing and analysis. 7. Conduct independent research which engages with complex ideas.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following:

1. Are the historical sciences sciences?
2. To what extent can we gain knowledge of human culture from material remains?
3. What is the nature of events in human history?
4. Can biological and cultural perspectives on human nature be integrated?
5. What is history for?

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
21.5	128.5	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	16.5	11 x 1.5 hour lectures. Lectures cover more ground than is possible in tutorials, and are designed to establish a context in which to think about the themes and texts discussed in tutorials.
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	5	5 x 1 Hour Fortnightly tutorials. A specific reading is assigned, and you are provided with a list of questions to be discussed.
Guided Independent Study	45	Preparation for lectures and tutorial participation
Guided Independent Study	83.5	Preparation for lectures and tutorial participation including reading and planning. Independent research for assignments.

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).