The History Makers (HIST2312)

Course overview

This course investigates how key historians have approached and written about the past. By introducing students to schools of history-writing since about 1900, we discuss major historians in their own context, along with significant concepts that have shaped historical inquiry. We consider how those concepts arose, and why they have been influential. These insights help students develop their own sense of `the historian's craft'.

The course explores the work of major historians and their schools across the decades of the twentieth century. Taken together, these are the landmarks of historical practice in an era of change, turmoil, argument and dissent. Each week we examine a school of historical interpretation, and a set of concepts that have been influential in shaping historical inquiry. We consider how those concepts arose, and how they can be traced in the work of influential historians. What is the significance of these ideas and practices in the evolving story of history-writing? This course aims to show that history-writing itself has a history. ﾠThrough readings, discussions and class activities, we explore some of the big ideas that have shaped the discipline of history in the past hundred and fifty years, and that continue to be important in the present. You are encouraged to work out your own approach and preferences, and so develop skills in those areas of historical inquiry that have value to you. Engaging with a range of ways of interpreting and representing the past, we ask: 'What is history, especially in modern times?' 'What kind of thinking helps us make sense of the past?', and 'What ideas, circumstances and practices have shaped history as a professional and academic discipline?'

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course is a mandatory component of the History major. It is recommended only for students who have already taken at least one Gateway course (such as HIST1601, HIST1400, HIST1201).

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

HIST3611

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

• Familiarise students with the leading historical thinkers and schools of historical interpretation of the last 150 years;
• Explain the intellectual assumptions and methodologies on which the main schools of historical interpretation are based;
• Situate major historians and changes in historical thinking within their historical context;
• Enableﾠstudents to identify the influence of these schools of historical interpretation in contemporary historical works;
• Push students to develop their own approach to writing history, as the next generation of historians;
• Develop high level skills in oral and written communication.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Tutorial Participation

Mode

Activity/ Performance, Oral

Category

Participation/ Student contribution

Weight

20%

Due date

10/03/2025 - 19/05/2025

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Critical Review Essay

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

20% 1,000 words

Due date

4/04/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Extension applications must be via my.UQ –> Manage my program - > exams and assessment -> Applying for an extension. 

Extension applications must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the submission date, unless the medical or other circumstances are such that the student cannot reasonably be expected to have applied by the appropriate due date.

Extension requests may take up to 48 hours to be assessed (not including weekends and public holidays).

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Late submission of assessment will incur a penalty of 10% of the marks available for the assessment item, per calendar day or part-day after the due date, for a maximum of 10 days, after which a mark of zero will be recorded.

Essay Proposal and Annotated Bibliography

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

20% 750-1,000 words

Due date

2/05/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit by Turnitin on Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Extension applications must be via my.UQ –> Manage my program - > exams and assessment -> Applying for an extension. 

Extension applications must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the submission date, unless the medical or other circumstances are such that the student cannot reasonably be expected to have applied by the appropriate due date.

Extension requests may take up to 48 hours to be assessed (not including weekends and public holidays).

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Late submission of assessment will incur a penalty of 10% of the marks available for the assessment item, per calendar day or part-day after the due date, for a maximum of 10 days, after which a mark of zero will be recorded.

Research Essay

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

40% 2,000 words

Due date

30/05/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Extension applications must be via my.UQ –> Manage my program - > exams and assessment -> Applying for an extension. 

Extension applications must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the submission date, unless the medical or other circumstances are such that the student cannot reasonably be expected to have applied by the appropriate due date.

Extension requests may take up to 48 hours to be assessed (not including weekends and public holidays).

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Late submission of assessment will incur a penalty of 10% of the marks available for the assessment item, per calendar day or part-day after the due date, for a maximum of 10 days, after which a mark of zero will be recorded.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Tutorial Participation

Your tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Evidence of participation in discussions.
2. Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.
3. Quality of contributions to discussions.
4. Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and students. 
5. Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

Critical Review Essay 

Your critical review essay will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Evidence of comprehension of the reading or readings under review.
2. Contextualization of the readings, locating them in the relevant field(s) of literature.
3. Critique of the reading or readings.
4. Insight and creativity.
5. Clear and concise written expression, well presented.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your critical review of and reflection on readings should demonstrate exceptional comprehension of the works under review; it should locate them precisely and comprehensively in the relevant field or fields of literature; it should be highly persuasive and clear in its critique, and should demonstrate exceptional levels of insight and creativity. Your writing will be very clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), your critical review of and reflection on readings should demonstrate an advanced comprehension of the works under review; it should locate them perceptively and comprehensively in the relevant field or fields of literature; it should be very persuasive and clear in its critique, and should demonstrate advanced levels of insight and creativity. Your writing will be clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), your critical review of and reflection on readings should demonstrate a proficient comprehension of the works under review; it should locate them broadly in the relevant field or fields of literature; it should be effective and clear in its critique, and should demonstrate proficient levels of insight and creativity. The presentation and referencing of your review will follow/largely follow discipline conventions, have few/some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%), your critical review of and reflection on readings should demonstrate a functional comprehension of the works under review; it should at least be able to identify them broadly in the relevant field or fields of literature; it should offer a coherent critique, and should demonstrate basic levels of insight and creativity. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately. 

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your critical review of and reflection on readings will not show evidence of understanding and comprehension of the works under review. It will fail to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the work’s relation to surrounding literature and will not provide a coherent critique or insight and creativity. Your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

Essay Proposal and Annotated Bibliography 

Your essay proposal and annotated bibliography will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Topic definition and rationale for project.
2. Concise statement of your research question or problem.
3. Outline of research approach, strategy and time plan.
4. Identification of key issues and/or challenges.
5. Evaluation of academic sources and evidence. 
6. Presentation and written expression. 

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your proposal should demonstrate exceptional consideration of issues related to topic definition and rationale, and provide a nuanced and sophisticated statement of your research question and strategic approach. Project tasks should be identified very clearly, and the evaluation of relevant sources will be very insightful. Your proposal will be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), your proposal should demonstrate an advanced level of consideration of issues related to topic definition and rationale, and provide a very effective statement of your research question and strategic approach. Project tasks will be clearly identified, and the evaluation of relevant sources will be insightful. Your proposal will be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), your proposal should demonstrate proficient consideration of issues related to topic definition and rationale, and provide an effective statement of your research question and strategic approach. Project tasks will be well identified, with good evaluation of relevant sources. The presentation and referencing of your essay will follow/largely follow discipline conventions, have few/some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%), your proposal should adequately consider some issues related to topic definition and rationale, and provide a functional or workable statement of your research question and strategic approach. There will be adequate identification of some project tasks, and a basic evaluation of some relevant sources. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately. 

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%), your proposal will consider issues related to topic definition and rationale only superficially, and will provide an attempt that demonstrates developing proficiency but ultimately does not result in a workable statement of your research question and/or strategic approach. Identification of project tasks will be superficial, and relevant sources will be evaluated inadequately. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate/poor and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%), your proposal will demonstrate minimal consideration of issues related to topic definition and rationale, will fail to provide a workable statement of your research question and strategic approach. There will be poor or insufficient identification of project tasks, and inadequate evaluation of relevant sources. Your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your proposal will fail to consider issues related to topic definition and rationale, and will not present a workable statement of your research question and strategic approach. There will be no or insufficient identification of project tasks, and no or insufficient evaluation of relevant sources. There will be an unsatisfactory standard of presentation and/or written expression. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate.

Research Essay 

Your research essay will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
2. Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
3. Ability to form a well-structured essay. 
4. Engagement with academic sources and evidence. 
5. Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
6. Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
7. Appropriately referenced, as per discipline conventions. 

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay should be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay should be be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a proficient understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%) your essay should reflect a functional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately. 

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your essay will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your essay will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of data and/or evidence, and lack argumentation. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate, and written expression poor or inappropriate.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

• Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
• By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ﾠ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
• All studentsﾠ mustﾠ ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
• A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Co-ordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure if your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
• Plagiarism is cheating and constitutesﾠacademic misconduct.ﾠSee ECP Section 6.1.
• Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
• For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

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Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.