History Summer School
University of London Union • 10th – 12th August • open to students aged 15-18
For those who can’t make the Summer School, the History Autumn School will be running 29th – 31st October – you can use the form at the bottom of this page to register.
Can historians ever know the truth about the past?
Is all history really the history of class struggles?
How could people in the past believe in witchcraft, or the divine right of kings?
Can one man change the course of history?
The History Summer School is a chance for students to think deeply and analytically about the purpose, value and method of historical study. During this three day course students will be exposed to ideas and approaches which they may not have encountered at school but which are integral to the study of history at university. Through seminars, lectures, case studies and debates they will develop their skills in evidential, textual and theoretical analysis. Small classes led by expert tutors provide a stimulating and supportive environment in which to encounter and critically engage with new ideas in the study of history.
2010 PROGRAMME:
A full schedule, including details of each session, is available to download. A poster to display or distribute in your school is available here.
Highlights of this course will include:
- Purpose of historical study
Case study: Marx, Nietzsche, Commynes and Collingwood on the uses and abuses of history
- The nature of historical truth
- Classical approaches to historiography, including Whig History and history as rhetoric
- Approaches to social and cultural history: Marxism and the Annales School
Case Study: Making sense of Witchcraft
Case Study: Culture and Politics in the Cold War
- Women and Gender in History
Case study : Cristine de Pizan and gender in the late middle ages
Case study: Housewives and the Victorian division of labour
- The role of individuals
Case study: Structure, agency and leadership in the Cuban Missile Crisis
- The History of Ideas
Case Study: Machiavelli and Hobbes on politics, virtue and human nature
- Medieval History
Case Study: What can the Magna Carta tell us about power, class, and national identity?
Feedback from Debate Chamber History events:
“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 cost of the History Summer School is £195 per student for three days. Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. Please note that accommodation is not included, and must be arranged independently if required. Bookings for any event may be made by individual students or parents or through the school. To book a place or places at the History Summer School, or if you have any further questions, simply call on 0845 519 4827, email info@debatechamber.com, or use the form below.