|
|
|
Themes and Sources
Themes and Sources papers are taught by Faculty classes. These
involve a different style of study from the weekly essay. Teaching
takes place in classes at regular intervals in the last two terms of
the first year. Undergraduates choose one from the list of options.
These typically take a broad theme in comparative history (such as
gender, democracy, Christianity or music) and investigate continuities
and changes over time. Several options are based on a close reading of
primary source material, and examine the problems involved in using
such sources. Other options explore big themes over long periods of
time; or there may be a combination of theme-based and source-based
approaches. Some options may also involve the use of visual material.
Those who have followed source-based courses at school will find these
approaches quite familiar. During the course, undergraduates write a
short 'practice' essay. They are then formally assessed by means of a
Long Essay (5000 words) which they produce at the end, on one of a
variety of set questions. This involves extensive individual research.
It is set in May of the first year and submitted in January of the second
year, so most of the work for it is done in the intervening vacations.
|
