History Summer School
University of London Union • 6th-10th August 2012 • open to students aged 15-18
The study of history is about a lot more than facts and dates. Questions of the possibility of historical truth, the methodology of its pursuit and the political responsibilities of historians to both the past and the future are central to the craft of the historian. This course offers the chance to explore these and other historiographical questions using some fascinating (and sometimes weird and wonderful) case studies.
The Debate Chamber History Summer School will be of particular benefit to those students who are considering the study of History, or a closely related subject, at University. This intensive course will be conducted through seminars, lectures and informal discussions, in order to create a sense of what studying history at undergraduate level is like. The topics covered have been specifically selected to challenge and broaden the historical outlook of participants and as such the course requires no specific background knowledge and is open to all students aged 15-18. The most important qualification is a strong enthusiasm for history!
The History Summer School offers students the opportunity to develop their historical studies by tackling topics not often covered by the school curriculum. By studying new and ambitious topics, students will be challenged to confront the unexamined assumptions underlying their interpretations and to develop their analysis of primary and secondary source materials, which will stand them in good stead in the future. The course offers students the opportunity to gain a good basic understanding of a broad range of historiographical trends and subject matters, and as a result, students will not only be well equipped make informed decisions about studying history at university, but will hopefully enjoy the challenge of being presented with new ideas, and benefit from having their own thoughts critically examined.
Our approach to tuition is varied – offering interactive discussions, formal debates, lectures, group presentations and close individual reading of primary and secondary source material. Special emphasis is given to developing students skills as critical readers at an undergraduate level, by analysing extracts and quotations, as well as images, material sources and oral accounts. Participants will be supported in formulating and presenting their own viewpoints clearly and logically and encouraged to challenge one another’s positions in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.
See a full schedule for the course here.
Details of the Debate Chamber History tutors are available here.
Download a poster to display in your school here.
Feedback from the History Summer School 2011 – read more here:
The History Summer School was a very enriching experience and provides you with a greater knowledge and understanding of history as a whole. It also gives great insight into how history would be studied at university level. It is definitely a very productive three days!
Phoebe, James Allen’s School for Girls
The history summer school pushed us budding historians further than normal school study could, helping us to develop not just our historical knowledge, but also inviting us to question more how we think about history. I found the tutors friendly, with a vast knowledge of their subject and the other people on the course open and easy to talk to.
Oliver, Dartford Grammar School
Book a place
The cost of the five day History Summer School is £360 per student. 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.
Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you are applying for a bursary please do not complete this form, but instead complete the ‘Bursary Application Form’ here.