History Masterclass
11th February 2012 * University of London Union * Ages 15-18
Is history driven by ‘Great Men’, by ideas, or by the relentless unfolding of social structures? Does the study of the past help us to better understand the present, to learn from our mistakes, or even to derive scientific laws which we can use to predict the future? Or is it all, as Ford would have it, more or less bunk? The History Masterclass offers a chance to investigate these questions through participation in seminars, lectures, and debates on the value, purpose and methods of historical study. The course is ideal for students aged 15-18 who are considering studying History at university.
Teaching will run from 10.30 – 4.30.
Download a poster to display in your school here.
Masterclass Programme 2011:
The purpose of historical study
‘We need history,’ said Nietzsche, ‘but not the way the spoiled loafer in the garden of knowledge needs it.’ In this introductory seminar students will compare extracts from the work of four major historical thinkers (Commynes, Marx, Nietzsche and Collingwood), discuss how conceptions of history have changed over time and ask whether any of their approaches should motivate historians today. Can historians ever hope to achieve—or approach–objectivity when writing about the past? Do they simply interpret facts, or in doing so create them? In this seminar we ask when and why historians might manipulate or even fabricate the evidence, and trace arguments over objectivity from von Ranke through the postmodernists to Richard Evans.
Approaches to social history: Marxism and the Annales school
“The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles” – the influence of Karl Marx’s concepts of dialectical materialism and class conflict have made him both one of the most influential historical thinkers of the last two hundred years and also the most caricatured and misunderstood. The Annales school revolutionised the study of social history by rejecting narrative, attempting to trace the experiences of all social groups, recapture past ‘mentalities’, and apply social scientific techniques to history. A comparison of the Annales and Marxist approaches forms the basis for a discussion of method in social history.
Narrative & Analysis
In this session students will get a chance to explore the differences between a traditional narrative history, and the contemporary analytical approach to academic history writing. Why do we currently value a more analytical methodology? What about the huge non-academic audiences for ‘story telling’ TV and popular historians. Should we consider reintroducing narrative to the work of academic historians?
Structure, Agency and Leadership
Popular history may still stress the stories of towering individuals, the so-called “Great Men” approach. But the more attention we pay to factors that shape and constrain human activity–from the natural environment to economic trends to cultural prejudices—the less room there is for free individual action.
Structure and Agency Case study: Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 is widely regarded as the moment at which the Cold War was closest to being transformed into an active nuclear conflict. In this session will will look at a range of primary sources in order to examine the factors which contributed to the escalation, progression and eventual resolution of the crisis. Students will be encouraged to consider the role of the individual agency of Kennedy and Khrushchev and members of their respective governments, and their influence on historical events.
Feedback from previous History Masterclass events – see more here:
“Superb. Engaging lecturers, a lot of ground covered quickly, but plenty of opportunity for discussion.”
“It was thought-provoking, involving and very helpful. To be able to see the principles behind history was a fantastic opportunity.”
“There was a lovely atmosphere and everyone was helpful and friendly.”
“Really enjoyed it. I especially liked the lectures as they were on topics I didn’t know much about.”
“It definitely challenged me to think more independently, and it was a very valuable experience.”
“Source work was particularly interesting.”
“The lectures gave me an idea of the style of teaching at university.”
Book a place
The fee for the History Masterclass is £90. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries for students who would otherwise have difficulty attending. To book a place please email info@debatechamber.com, call 0845 519 4827, or fill out the form below.
If you are applying for a fees bursary please do not fill in the form below, instead please complete the Bursary Application – Student Form.
If you are a teacher interested in holding a History event at your school please click here.