Modern History From Across The Globe
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In the North West and 7th in the UK for Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2013)
University in the North West for Teaching Excellence (The Sunday Times University Guide 2013)
University in the North West for Employability
(Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2013, Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA))
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History, by appraising of the past, will enable you to judge of the future.
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WELCOME WHY STUDY HISTORY AT EDGE HILL? SUPPORTING YOUR DEVELOPMENT YOUR CAMPUS
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Thomas Jefferson
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FIELD TRIPS JOINING OUR COMMUNITY RESEARCH PUBLIC HISTORY
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HISTORY DEGREES AT EDGE HILL COURSES AVAILABLE STUDENT PROFILES FIND OUT MORE
PAGE 4 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | WELCOME
HISTORY | WELCOME PAGE 5
A ‘world-leading’ and Supportive History Community
At Edge Hill University, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge teaching and research in the exciting field of Modern History – from the African-American fight for civil rights to the origins of the Israel/ Palestine conflict. In the last national Research Assessment Exercise our research was judged to be ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’; and our teaching has been praised in all our areas by the Quality Assurance Agency. The department achieved excellent results in the 2013 National Student Survey: we were ranked 4th in the UK for the enthusiasm with which we teach, and, most importantly, the support and advice we give our students in their studies. Overall, we achieved the distinction of being top in the North West for student satisfaction. What these figures reflect is the high level of support that is offered to History students at Edge Hill.
History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are. David C. McCullough
We pride ourselves on our warm, student-centred culture, and we strive to nurture the skills, knowledge and confidence of everyone we welcome into our community. Our mission is to help each of our students realise their full potential, and become independent, confident, and employable graduates. There is a whole host of careers open to those with a History degree – from law to journalism to the civil service. Our aim is to help you prepare for the journey ahead. Roger Spalding Head of History
PAGE 6 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | WHY STUDY HISTORY AT EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY?
Modern History from Across the Globe
Image: NASA
HISTORY | WHY STUDY HISTORY AT EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY? PAGE 7
Why Study History at Edge Hill? The course and our research are focused on the history of Britain, Europe, the USA, and Asia from the late eighteenth to the early twenty-first centuries. We believe that the study of this period of history provides us with a profound understanding of the world that we live in today, and the challenges that we face. In your first year with us, you will have the opportunity to learn about the broad spread of modern history. Equipped with historical skills and knowledge, you will then have the choice to specialise. You might wish to study the history of communism in Eastern Europe, contemporary France, the British Empire, or the United States. In your third year, you can write a piece of original research, make a documentary or study a range of subjects based on cuttingedge staff research.
We cannot escape history. Abraham Lincoln
PAGE 8 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | SUPPORTING YOUR DEVELOPMENT
There’s Always an Open Door
HISTORY | SUPPORTING YOUR DEVELOPMENT PAGE 9
Supporting Your Development Our programme has been carefully designed to ensure that students develop their confidence, knowledge and skills in a gradual way, and in a highly supportive environment. In the first year, for example, you will benefit from regular intensive small group tutorials. We also have an ‘open door’ policy, so that you have easy access to us outside the class room. We see our relationship with students as one in which we work together to help you succeed; a collaboration. To help you to fulfil your potential we also believe it is important that you develop a sense of community with your fellow students and tutors. We do a number of things to encourage a sense of belonging, including our Christmas party, studentedited newsletter, field trips, and achievement prizes.
PAGE 10 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | YOUR CAMPUS
HISTORY | YOUR CAMPUS PAGE 11
Excellent Facilities, in an Award-winning Campus At Edge Hill you will have access to some of the best resources to support your learning, such as an online archive of African-American thought, including the first ever complete run of The Black Panther newspaper, the latest journals remotely accessible, and subject-specific support websites. Perhaps Edge Hill’s best kept secret, though, is the campus itself, beautifully landscaped and containing two lakes to accommodate the legendary Edge Hill ducks. The history team is based in the magnificent original building which dates from the 1930s. This sits alongside new, cutting-edge teaching buildings, sports and social facilities which have recently benefited from a £30m development programme, and accommodation for 1,900 students. And if you want to hit the bright lights of the big city we are just a half hour train journey from the centre of Liverpool.
1. Main Building 2. Western Campus 3. Creative Edge 4. Eastern Campus accommodation 5. Liverpool Skyline 6. The Arts Centre
The Old Bailey
PAGE 12 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | FIELD TRIPS
A Wider Perspective
HISTORY | FIELD TRIPS PAGE 13
Field Trips
Walker Art Gallery
International Slavery Museum
Our students enjoy a range of exciting excursions. These have included trips to the National Archives in London, where students had the chance to work with declassified documents; a trip to the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court since 1674; and a visit to the UK’s only museum of slavery in Liverpool, the leading centre of trade and migration in the 19th century. Field trips are an important part of what we offer, and we look forward to visiting more sites of historical local and national importance in the future.
PAGE 14 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | COMMUNITY
Becoming Part of our History Community These are exciting times for History at Edge Hill University. We have started a number of new initiatives, collaborated with leading universities across the UK, and received high praise for our work. A key focus in the coming years is to continue to nurture the sense of community that we have developed amongst students and staff outside the classroom.
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Student-edited News
Supporting Achievement
In 2010 we launched our student-edited newsletter, which has a new editorial team for each issue. It brings together all the exciting experiences and news of current and former students, visiting international students, and staff. From globetrotting to careers to life after university, the newsletter is a great way to share the stories of our community.
Every year, students overcome challenges, strive to improve their marks, develop new skills, and work hard to realise their potential. We believe that it is important that such efforts are recognised, and to that end we award achievement prizes each year. Rather than simply focus on those who achieve the highest marks, we also give an important prize to the student who makes the most progress.
edgehill.ac.uk/history
PAGE 16 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | RESEARCH
Our research concentrates on the politics of ‘race’, social and political history in Britain, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. In the most recent national Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 30% of our published research was judged to be either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. According to the RAE, we had a higher proportion of ‘world-leading’ research than the History Department at the University of Manchester. We have won prestigious funding awards from the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Higher Education Academy (HEA), and pursued collaborative projects with leading universities, including the University of Oxford, the Institute of Education, University of London, and University College London. Recent projects include an international network on the presidency of Barack Obama, sponsored by the AHRC, and a study of how online learning tools can aid student understanding of history and historical research, funded by the HEA.
HISTORY | RESEARCH PAGE 17
Our Research edgehill.ac.uk/history
PAGE 18 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | PUBLIC HISTORY
Public History
Alyson Brown Dr Alyson Brown has been a Reader in History since 2006 and her main research interests concern crime and punishment in modern Britain. “Most of my publications are about penal history with an emphasis on large-scale disturbances, including riots. “My monograph about the Dartmoor Convict Prison riot of 1932 and inter-war penal policy has recently been published by Palgrave (Inter-war Penal Policy and Crime in England: The Dartmoor Convict Prison Riot 1932). In 2014 this research will inform an exhibition on the riot being held at the Dartmoor Prison Museum, Devon. Much criminological work has been carried out on post-war prison disturbances, but little on events prior to that, so that is why I wanted to examine this area. My monograph is the first academic book to be published on the subject.
Media organisations such as the BBC and Al-Jazeera Television have interviewed Edge Hill historians for programmes, and consulted them for their expertise. Public History is a particular interest of members of the History group. Dr Alyson Brown serves on the advisory panel for a series of exhibitions in Lincoln Castle and Prison, focusing on the themes of power and justice. This project is part of a £19 million scheme, ‘Lincoln Castle Revealed’. Members of the team have published in a wide range of media, from the Israeli daily newspaper Ha’aretz to the BBC History Magazine.
“I’ve been able to conclude that it is predominantly a lack of legitimacy that creates an environment where the likelihood of rioting behaviour is increased in prison. A high level of punishment, overcrowding or lack of discipline, for example, are not in themselves sufficient explanations. “My work brings a social history perspective to the course in that I examine events from below – concentrating on the poor, weak and marginal classes. “My teaching also shows that crime isn’t just a product of 21st century social problems, as the media sometimes seem to suggest. Indeed, historical examination reveals the extent to which crime and public concerns about it can often be distorted by the media.”
HISTORY | PUBLIC HISTORY PAGE 19
James Renton
Daniel Gordon
Reader in History Dr James Renton is also an Honorary Senior Research Associate in the Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies at University College London, and a committee member of the British Association for Jewish Studies.
Since 2003 Dr Daniel Gordon has been Senior Lecturer in European History and his main research interests concern migration and anti-racism in 20th century France, the international movements of 1968, and the history from below of public transport use in modern France.
“My research focuses on the British Empire in the Middle Eastern world and its impact on the region and its diasporas, including world Jewry, Zionism, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. “I chose to study this subject because of its significance for the world today. The challenges posed by the problems of the Middle East and the legacy of the British Empire continue to be of the utmost significance.
“I first became interested in France as a child as a result of my grandmother telling me all about WWII, when she was a housewife in Southport becoming increasingly concerned for the fate of her French cousin in Paris. Like my grandmother, her cousin was a child of Russian-Jewish immigrants and it transpired he’d escaped by going underground and fighting for the Resistance. This family heritage has led to my interest in immigrants and how they’re treated.
“My work involves looking at how and why the British Empire sought to control much of the Middle East in the early 20th century and the impact this had on the politics, identities, and conflicts of the region. In addition to the effects of Empire, I’m interested in the making of foreign and imperial policy and international political thought, including ideas about race and nation, the West, and the concept of the Middle East itself.
“I’ve spent a year working at a French university, and regularly give papers at international conferences. I’m on the advisory board of a French immigration history NGO’s oral history project, as well as the editorial board of the journal Modern and Contemporary France.
“I’m currently co-editing a book of essays to explore the relationship between Antisemitism and Islamophobia from the Crusades to the 21st century.
“Since my first book Immigrants and Intellectuals: May ’68 and the Rise of Anti-Racism in France was launched in 2012, I’ve been working on a new history of how public transport users have interacted with state authorities in modern France.
“Before teaching I worked in the international publishing and events industry. I hope that, like many of my colleagues, my experience of life beyond academia gives me a well-informed understanding of what students have to prepare for after university, and the opportunities that are open to them.”
“My in-depth knowledge of Britain’s closest continental neighbour helps our students understand the ideologies that tore Europe apart in the 20th century. I love supporting students in their discovery of new topics, and encourage them to pursue research that is important to them personally.”
PAGE 20 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | DEGREES
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History Degrees at Edge Hill
At Edge Hill we offer single, combined and joint honours degrees in History. You can choose to study a single BA (Hons) in History where you will work towards a particular award title and there is a wider choice of modules in the second and third year. Alternatively, you can study History alongside another subject in either a joint or combined honours degree. In a joint degree you will study a programme comprising around 50% in each subject area and your degree will reflect the balance of subjects studied. They have been specifically designed to offer a well-balanced, challenging two-subject programme. Subjects currently available as a joint include Creative Writing, English, and Film Studies.
If we open a quarrel between past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future.
In a combined degree you study two subjects throughout the three years of your programme, with your major subject taking 75% of your study time and your chosen minor making up the remainder. These programmes are an excellent way to maintain an interest in a second subject and to show future employers that you have studied in more than one area. Subjects currently available to study as minors alongside History include Creative Writing, English, Film Studies and Politics. History can also be studied as a minor alongside a number of other courses.
Winston Churchill
edgehill.ac.uk/history
PAGE 22 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | WHAT YOU CAN STUDY
What you can study with us: Year 1
Year 3
The Medieval Outlook Dawn of Modernity Europe Re-Made (19th Century) Imperialism, Liberation, Globalisation (20th Century) Ideologies: Theories and Practice History and Society: Applications and Employment
African American History Black Life and Black Protest in the United States since 1895
Year 2
Imperial and World History Seeds of Conflict in the Holy Land British Rule in Palestine: Empire and the War for the Holy Land European History 1968 and All That: Protest in Western Europe
American History Domestic Policy in the United States 1800-1941 US Foreign Policy and Expansionism since 1840
British History The History of Interpersonal Violence from c.1750 The 1930s and Culture in Britain
Imperial and World History The Rise and Fall of the British Empire
History and Media Visualising Debate: The History Video Project Read All About It: The History of Journalism in Britain and the USA
European History Communism in Eastern Europe 1945-1991 France: The Clash of Left and Right 1936-1968 Identity and Diversity: France from 1968 to the Present British History Crime and Society in England and Wales c. 1660-1900
Public History and Research History: Growth and Contexts History and Society: Interpretations and Applications Dissertation
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History is a race between education and catastrophe. H. G. Wells
edgehill.ac.uk/history
PAGE 24 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | STUDENT PROFILES
Student Profiles Kirsty Horsfield Mother-of-three Kirsty decided to go into primary teaching on completion of her degree. She found the department’s advice and support network invaluable, and studying locally fitted her circumstances perfectly. “As a mature student and young mother, the staff provided great support and really understood the difficulties of juggling study and family commitments. This support went much further than study-related issues. “With three boys, I’d often only get any work done once they’d gone to bed, but they were always the motivation to finish my degree. I’ve now completed a PGCE. I love the idea of being a teacher – every day is a new experience. The children are challenging, but helping them achieve their potential is inspiring. I’m now on course for the career I’ve always wanted.”
Victoria Neacy One of our prize-winning students, Victoria fits study around her other interests, which include Wigan Athletic, greyhounds, and travelling – from Cornwall to Cape Verde. She’s fascinated by World War Two, and cites a visit to Auschwitz as one of her most moving and memorable experiences. “History is based on opinions, there’s no right or wrong. This appeals to me – I can express my own opinions. The tutors are so passionate about their work, I’ve learnt about so many different aspects of history that I’d never explored before, engaging in debates. All the tutors are so experienced and established – you receive an exceptional education from them, and the careers service has been very forthcoming with advice and guidance. A history degree can teach you so many of the skills employers are looking for. “Of all the universities I visited, Edge Hill University had the most relaxed atmosphere. Everyone was extremely welcoming, and they made every effort to get you involved.”
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James Hallworth James has taught in India and Thailand as a volunteer, and hopes to jet off to Uganda once he’s finished his degree, although he’d really prefer to travel back to China in 570 BC and spend time in the company of the philosopher Confucius.
James Peters “I left my structural engineering job with the intention of studying history for enjoyment. When people told me about the quality of Edge Hill’s History department, the diverse range of lecture topics, and friendly staff, it became an obvious choice.
“I’ve always been fascinated with different cultures, religions, and architecture, and by the time I started college, history was my passion. After all, only through learning about the past can we predict the future and understand the present.
“During my second year I didn’t achieve the grades I was hoping for, so I put in a lot of work in the third year. My marks jumped by about 10%, and I was awarded the ‘Best Progress’ prize. I was really surprised that such a large university would recognise my work like this, especially when other students were achieving better grades.
“Many friends studied here, and they told me about the beautiful campus, the high quality lectures, the helpful staff, its close proximity to Liverpool – and once I'd seen the syllabus it was an easy decision. The module on the history of British journalism was fascinating.
“While at Edge Hill I worked in food factories and enjoyed the nature of the work and the fast-paced environment.
“The tutors are experts in their individual fields and it’s been my privilege to listen to them – I look forward to my lectures every week.
“I’m now working as a quality control inspector at a food production company. It’s my job to make sure all products meet food safety regulations and taste as they should before being released to the customer. I also ensure that the factory complies with Good Manufacturing Practice.
“I love the library. There’s a brilliant collection of academic texts, and the staff are knowledgeable and willing to help. “My advice to students would be: take on board the feedback from each essay, developing each time you write. And use your first year to practice and better your skills.”
“With a History degree you develop a lot of transferable skills. The years I spent writing essays at university definitely helps when writing product specifications.”
PAGE 26 EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY | FIND OUT MORE
Find Out More For more information about History at Edge Hill, request a prospectus from our Course Information Team on 01695 657000, email study@edgehill.ac.uk or visit edgehill.ac.uk If you have any subject specific queries please contact Roger Spalding, the programme leader, who will be able to provide any advice you might need regarding our History programmes.
Contact If you have any questions about courses or the department do feel free to get in touch. General Enquiries 01695 584760/650883 history@edgehill.ac.uk Roger Spalding Head of History 01695 650890
spaldr@edgehill.ac.uk
edgehill.ac.uk/history
EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY
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HISTORY
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ST HELENS ROAD
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ORMSKIRK
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LANCASHIRE L39 4QP
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01695 657000
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STUDY@EDGEHILL.AC.UK