Researching Economic And Social History 1 ESH4009
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Social and Political Sciences
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course is compulsory for all Junior Honours students of Economic and Social History, with the exception of students who are spending semester 1 of their Junior Honours year on an international exchange programme. The course is designed to provide training in key skills, extending work conducted in Levels 1 and 2, in the areas of research, writing and presentation. It provides students with valuable experience of project-based group work.
Timetable
Course meets in weekly two-hour blocks once a week on campus, with time within blocks divided between meetings with the entire RESH 1 class and meetings with project group. Course primarily meets in Semester 1 (17-19 contact hours), with 1-3 contact hours early in Semester 2 to support students completing final projects.
Requirements of Entry
Entry to Honours in Economic and Social History
Assessment
One group project. (6,600 words for groups of three students; 8,800 for groups of four. Smaller or larger groups will be assigned proportional word counts.) (60% of final grade)
One group presentation. Students are marked on the presentation both individually and as a group. (15mins for groups of three students; 20mins for groups of four. Smaller or larger groups will be assigned proportional times). (30% of final grade, calculated as 0.7a + 0.3b, where a = mark for student's contribution to the presentation, and b = overall mark for group presentation)
One reflective statement. (10% of final grade; 400 words)
Each student must also submit a personal log-book, and each group must submit minutes of their meetings. These are not awarded marks but are required for full credit.
Course Aims
This course aims to develop students' skills in using primary sources and engaging with historiography. It will enable students to organise research findings effectively. The course aims to build teamwork and encourage a reflective approach and self-directed learning through group-working.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Work collaboratively within a group of students to share responsibility for an original research project on a relevant historical topic.
■ Identify and critically analyse primary sources using sound historical methods, and use them to form compelling arguments about the past.
■ Evaluate historiography and incorporate scholarly perspectives into an original research project.
■ Communicate ideas clearly, in a manner appropriate to the medium.
■ Reflect on the transferable skills and graduate attributes acquired, and how these might be further developed in academic or professional contexts.