Theories and Methods of History

Paper Code:

25DHIS 711

Credits:

Contact Hours:

90.00

Max. Marks:

100.00

Objective:

In this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the field of history. They will contextualize the meaning, nature, and scope of history, delving into its various dimensions. Through the exploration of historical facts and their interpretation, students will develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the complexities of historical analysis, including causation, objectivity, and generalization. Moreover, they will examine contrasting theories of history, comparing and contrasting cyclical and linear perspectives, thus gaining insight into different approaches to understanding the historical process. This course provides students with a solid foundation in historical study, equipping them with the tools to analyze and interpret the past effectively

Course Outcomes:

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

25DHIS 711

Theories and Methods of History

(Theory)

CO97- Assess the Meaning, Nature and scope of History.

CO98- Analyse the historical Fact and its Interpretation in History

CO99- Assess historical concepts and the debate on objectivity and subjectivity in history.

CO100- Critically analyze historical theories.

CO101 – Critically assess linear theories of history.

CO102-Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

18.00

Unit I:

Distinctiveness of historical inquiry

Meaning and relevance of History

Nature and scope of History: Ancillary and Auxiliary branches of history.

18.00

Unit II:

Sources and interpretation

Historical Fact and Interpretation

Idea of Progress in History.

Unit III:

Objectivity and History writing

Causation, Objectivity and Generalisation in History

18.00

Unit IV:

Theories of History

Cyclical with special reference to Spengler and Toynbee

18.00

Unit V:

Theories of History

Positivism and Idealism

Linear Theories of History – Christian, Marx, Hegel and Acton

Essential Readings:

Sreedharan. E, A Textbook of Historiography, Orient Longman Private Limited, 2004.
Sreedharan. E, A Manual of Historical Research Methodology, Centre for South Indian Studies, Trivandrum, 2007

References:

Agrawal V S :Itihas Darshan (in Hindi), Varanasi
Collingwood, R. G. The Idea of History, Oxford University Press. Oxford 1978
Collingwood, R. G. The Idea of History, Ed. T. M. Knox (Oxford University Press, London, 1973)
E.H. Carr: What is History, London, 1962,
Elton G. R., The Practice of History, The Fontana Library, London, 1969 Lernon M.C.: Philosophy of History (A Guide for students)
Lanaglosis C. V. & Segnobosis, Introduction to the study of History, Duckworth 1925.
Lanaglosis C. V. & Segnobosis, Introduction to the study of History, Duckworth1848. Lord Acton, Lectures on the Study of History, New York, 1961.
Prakash Buddha :Itihas Darshan (in Hindi), Lucknow, 1962
Pande C (ed.):Itihas-Swaroop evam siddhanth (in Hindi), Jaipur

E-Resources

Meaning and relevance of History

https://ddceutkal.ac.in/Syllabus/MA_Education/Education_Paper_5_history.pdf

http://egyanagar.osou.ac.in https://ddceutkal.ac.in/Syllabus/MA_history/Paper_06.pdf

https://www.pacc.in/e-learning-portal/ec/admin/contents/45_MHI33_2020110...

https://www.msuniv.ac.in/Download/Pdf/f2dfe5b12dd0413

Idea of Progress in History

https://www.templeofearth.com/books/theideaofprogress.pdf

Causation

https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/44439/1/Unit-2.pdf

Objectivity and Generalisation in History

https://www.egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/44440/1/Unit-1.pdf