History Beyond the Classroom

In this unit students produce an independently framed and original researched project drawn from a 10-hour engagement with communities and organisations outside the University. Students explore history in action in a variety of contexts and think about different ways of creating and disseminating history other than the traditional research essay that might appeal to a public audience. Lectures and field trips help students frame relevant community-based questions, adopt appropriate methodologies, and explore new ways of presenting arguments or narratives. In tutorials we workshop every stage of the students' individual projects.

Part of the aim of this unit is to introduce students to history as a lived and lifelong practice and to appreciate history as a vital individual, community, and organisational practice. Together, we explore a variety of histories in action via time spent working with or alongside community organisations outside the University and discuss the challenges and opportunities of history beyond the classroom. In keeping with this idea, we also explore different formats for presenting our histories that might reach a wider and more public audience. In doing so, we also discuss the vital questions around the issue of whether reaching for a wider audience means changing or diminishing academic standards.

Can history beyond the classroom co-exist with and even inform and enrich history practiced in the classroom?

To find out the answer, view the major projects submitted by the Class of 2015!

STUDENT PROJECTS (projects are grouped thematically)

CLASS OF 2015 (peruse projects by clicking on students' names)