Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST595
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

What is it that historians do? What is the nature of historical knowledge? What is the relationship between fact and interpretation, and what role do values play in the research and writing of history?
This unit introduces postgraduate students to independent historical research and explores a range of methodological, philosophical and theoretical issues involved in the research and presentation of histories.
It is designed as a preparation unit if you are contemplating independent research projects, and examines issues and questions to help you successfully study history at a postgraduate level.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced knowledge of key historiographical traditions and phases in the evolution of historical method and practice;
- exhibit an in-depth comprehension of the methodological, theoretical and philosophical advances in the practice of History;
- engage with interdisciplinary perspectives from fields such as anthropology, sociology, literature, and philosophy to understand the varieties of historical method;
- critically reflect on issues and problems related to the varying styles of historical practice; and
- present coherent, sustained, well-written and correctly referenced analyses of historical issues and approaches.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | No | 10% | All offerings | Forum participation No. Words: 750 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2500 |
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Is History Fiction?
ISBN: 9781742231716
Curthoys, A. and Docker, J., UNSW Press 2nd ed. 2010
Text refers to: All offerings
The Houses of History: A Critical Reader in History and Theory
ISBN: 9780719096211
Green, A. and Troup, K., Manchester University Press 2nd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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