URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_GCBAGES218

Course Objective

The goal of this course is to acquire (i) an understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of history as an academic discipline and the debates about it; and (ii) the ability to take a position in those debates and present arguments for it.

Course Content

This course provides an overview of the conceptual underpinnings of history as an academic discipline. Its focus is on concepts such as interpretation, explanation, historical insight, narrative, and objectivity. After the course students are able to debate the answer to the questions: What is history? And: What is its use?

Teaching Methods

Lectures and seminars. Lectures are in English. For students Geschiedenis there will be a seminar in Dutch.

Method of Assessment

Essay and written exam

Literature

Chiel van den Akker, The Modern Idea of History and Its Value: An Introduction (Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press 2020) NB. for students History and International Studies

Target Audience

Ba 2 students Geschiedenis; Ba 2 students History and International Studies; All interested
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • Bilingual

Study type

  • Bachelor