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2024　Special Lecture: Western History, its Themes and Methods

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Academic unit or major
Humanities and social science courses
Instructor(s)
Suzuki Takeo 
Class Format
Lecture     
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
-
Group
-
Course number
LAH.H321
Credits
2
Academic year
2024
Offered quarter
3Q
Syllabus updated
2024/3/14
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
Japanese
Access Index

Course description and aims

In recent years, the themes and methodologies within historical studies have become notably diversified. However, the persistent perception that "history ends once it's memorized" remains a significant reality. This course aims to provide an overview of the development of historiography since the 19th century, introducing rapidly advancing fields such as "Global History," "History of Emotions," and "Gender History." By doing so, students will learn about the fundamentals and progression of historiography, as well as the backgrounds, characteristics, and significance of various themes and methods. Additionally, students will engage in discussions based on readings of relevant literature during classes. Through these experiences, students will develop an understanding of the current issues and emerging developments in the field of history, particularly in the realm of Western historiography. Ultimately, I aim for students to realize how encountering historical knowledge can alter perspectives on contemporary issues affecting our lives today.

Student learning outcomes

- Understand the fundamentals and progression of historiography and be able to explain its overview.
- Gain an understanding of the backgrounds, characteristics, and significance of the themes and methods covered in this course within recent Western historiography, and be able to explain their overview.
- Develop the ability to contemplate contemporary issues based on the historical knowledge acquired in this course.

Keywords

Western Historiography, Ordinary People, Global History, Gender History, History of Emotions, Ego Documents, Public History, Memory

Competencies that will be developed

Specialist skills ✔ Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills ✔ Critical thinking skills Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

In this course, each theme or method will be addressed in a set consisting of one lecture session to explain the overall picture including backgrounds, characteristics, and significance, and one exercise session where students will discuss assigned readings in groups. This approach aims to facilitate the acquisition, application, and retention of knowledge. Additional explanations will be provided as needed during exercise sessions

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Guidance/Approaches to Historical Interpretation Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 2 Lecture - Overview of Historiography Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 3 Lecture - Focus on "Ordinary People" Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 4 Exercise - Exploring Literature on "Ordinary People" (Theme: Involvement with Nazi Crimes) Summarize and organize what you have learned through lectures and exercises, and gather one's own thoughts.
Class 5 Lecture - Global History Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 6 Exercise - Exploring Literature on "Global History" (Theme: Colonialism) Summarize and organize what you have learned through lectures and exercises, and gather one's own thoughts.
Class 7 Lecture - Gender History Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 8 Exercise - Exploring Literature on "Gender History" Summarize and organize what you have learned through lectures and exercises, and gather one's own thoughts.
Class 9 Lecture - History of Emotions Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 10 Exercise - Exploring Literature on "History of Emotions" Summarize and organize what you have learned through lectures and exercises, and gather one's own thoughts.
Class 11 Lecture - Public History Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 12 Exploring Literature on "Public History" (Theme: Exploring Memory) Summarize and organize what you have learned through lectures and exercises, and gather one's own thoughts.
Class 13 Lecture - Historiography as Contemporary History Read and summarize the copies of documents distributed, and organize one's own thoughts.
Class 14 Lecture - Moving Beyond Western-Centric Perspectives Organize what you have learned throughout the course and gather one's own thoughts."

Out-of-Class Study Time (Preparation and Review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

There is no designated textbook.

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Materials will be distributed.

Assessment criteria and methods

Attendance in lectures: 70%
Report: 30%

Related courses

  • -

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

Nothing in particular.

Contact information (e-mail and phone)    Notice : Please replace from "[at]" to "@"(half-width character).

t.suzuki［at］ila.titech.ac.jp
Notice : Please replace from "[at]" to "＠"(half-width character).

Office hours

Please contact by mail in advance to make an appointment.

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