The aim of this course is to make an extensive independent study of a particular subject area through the study of texts/ objects and assess their value to the establishment of particular theories or issues. It is anticipated that the choice of subject area will be linked to the individual student's special interests.

Normally two hours per week, a mixture of tutorials, meetings and or visits.

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The course will be assessed on the basis of EITHER two short essays (2-3,000 words) OR one long essay (4-5,000 words)

This course aims to:

develop the students' knowledge of the issues, methodological approaches and historical practice employed in the study of a particular subject area;
provide an understanding of the historical development of the particular subject;
encourage critical analysis of different assumptions which inform the writing of the subject area;
foster generic skills of problem solving, visual analysis, critical reading, summarising arguments, and presentation of ideas in verbal and written form.

By the end of the course students will be able to:
Discuss some of the major writers connected to the issues, methodological approaches and historical practice employed in the study of a particular subject area;
Evaluate different approaches to the writing of the subject;
Analyse and critique some of the key assumptions which inform the writing of the history of the subject area;
Comment critically on different approaches to the practice of the subject area.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.