Initiation to historical research

bhist1118  2024-2025  Bruxelles Saint-Louis

Initiation to historical research
5.00 credits
15.0 h + 15.0 h
Q1 and Q2
Teacher(s)
Barthélemy Sarah (compensates Desmette Philippe); Desmette Philippe (coordinator);
Language
French
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

The aim is to initiate the students to the daily techniques of the historians' work, by giving them also the possibility to use their historical criticism and encyclopaedia of history knowledge. The different aspects of scientific research in history (questionnaire, bibliographic research, critical treatment of works and of an original source, writing and argumentation) are thus taken into account. The end of year work is the opportunity for students to demonstrate their acquisition and integration of knowledge and know-how: it is their first “masterpiece” in preparation of the seminar works and the master's thesis.
 
Content
Using a transperiod approach, this class introduces the students to the fundamental aspects of methodological practice for a generalist historian. The following topics will be explained and practiced in class, both through collectively as well as individually: critical assessment of historical sources (what information can one get from them?) and published works in the field of history (how to conduct research and communicate scientific results?); identifications of persons, places, institutions; basic information search; bibliographical research; book reviews. Through the writing of an argumentative essay, the student is expetced to demonstrate that s/he has acquired these various skills.
Teaching methods
During the Fall term, the course will be structured around different modules mirroring the successive steps of scholarly research in history. The lectures will combine theoretical explanation with practical exercises, which will be corrected collectively or through individual feedback. The Spring term will be organised around the preparation of the argumentative essay. Attendance will be mandatory; students will be required to present their work at various programmed times throughout the term.
The use of Artificial Intelligence softwares in written work or oral presentations, if demonstrated, will be penalised by a 0 T, as it contravenes scholarly and academic integrity.
Evaluation methods
Continuous assessment: individual works and exercises throughout the academic year (40%).
Final examination: argumentative essay (60%).
Regarding resit opportunities: the continuous assessment will not be considered in the case of an August exam session (in order not to penalise students twice for the same individual works and exercises). Any student sitting this course in August will be assessed on the basis of the argumentative essay only.
Writing and grammatical mistakes can lead up to a penalty of three point out of the final grade for the course. Non-compliance with the ethics of scholarly research and academic writing may result in failure for the course.
Other information
A bibliographic syllabus is made available for the Introduction to historical resources (BHIST1112). Specificities will be discussed during the course and exercise sessions.
Bibliography
Le cours repose sur la bibliographie générale du cours de Ressources documentaires en histoire. Des éléments plus particuliers seront signalés pour la réalisation des travaux.
Faculty or entity


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in History

Bachelor in History (French - English)