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General information on
master's programmes
Research Programmes
General Guidelines on
the Presentation and Evaluation of Work
Master of Philosophy and
Master of Studies in Modern British and European
History
General overview
and shared programme elements
The Modern British and
European History programmes are open to all students
whose research centres on post-medieval Britain and
Europe (some students’ research topics may also
include non-European elements). It is anticipated
that most applicants for the programme will have
some (though perhaps limited) research experience.
The programme aims to improve students’ practical
and intellectual grasp of research processes, their
ability to conceptualise and engage with historical
problems, and to enlarge their understanding of the
historical and historiographical context within
which their own research is set. Teaching is partly
in classes, whose function is to create an
intellectual community for students. Some classes
will mix students with interests in different time
periods; in other contexts, parallel classes will
allow students to focus on the period of special
interest to them. The programme will encourage
students to develop some level of practical and
intellectual familiarity with advanced research in
both British and continental European history. They
will have access to a wide range of both generic and
subject-specific training.
All students will from their initial admission be
assigned individual research supervisors, with whom
they will work to develop their research projects.
Students are also strongly encouraged to develop
their reading knowledge of at least one European
language other than English; this may be essential
for some research projects, but it is encouraged in
all cases. The University’s Language Centre provides
classes in many European languages, for which you
will need to register at the beginning of the
academic year. The Faculty also co-organizes with
the Language Centre reading classes in certain
European languages. Students who are expected to
benefit from the study of Latin will be invited to
attend a pre-sessional Latin class, which will then
be supplemented by term-time teaching. Other
specialised training – e.g., in palaeography,
quantitative methods and IT skills – is also
available.
Shared training
programmes
Introductory Methods
course (taught Michaelmas Term)
The purpose of this course,
studied in the first term, combines both the
theoretical and practical elements of the
historian’s tool kit. It gives students an
understanding of theory and methods, sources and
resources, to enable them to develop and refine in a
historically sophisticated way the dissertation they
will write as the culmination of their master’s
studies.
Theory and
Methods: The purpose of this
course is twofold. First, to acquaint students with
bodies of theory, often elaborated in disciplines
allied to history, on subjects such as power and
social structure, intellectual history and material
culture, gender and violence, subjectivity and
memory, which provide historians with a critical
framework for their own empirical research. Second,
to introduce students to a variety of historical
methods which inform the design of their research
project, such as different levels of historical
enquiry between the micro and macro, the use of
images or of concepts of space. Students are
required to write an essay on an aspect of the
theory or methods covered in the course which has
significance for their own research project.
This element of the
methods course will be taught in eight weekly
classes, of which there will be several running in
parallel, each of which will mix students studying
different periods and places. There will be some
assigned reading, but there will also be
opportunities for students to consider the
application of particular theories and methods to
topics of special interest to them. Great emphasis
will be placed upon class discussion, and on the
creation of an intellectual community among
students. The current expectation is that the topics
covered will be chosen from the following list:
- Power
- Global and Transnational History
- Microhistory and Beyond
- Approaches to Intellectual history
- GenderHhistory, Queer History
- History and Memory
- Subjectivity and Emotion
- Images and the Historian
- The Concept of Space: Borders, Boundaries,
Landscape, Urban Space
- Material Culture
- Violence
Sources and Resources: The
course has two main goals. First, to help students
identify and gain basic familiarity with key sources
and resources relevant to their specialist research
period. Students will be encouraged to explore
sources and resources relating to various European
nations, insofar as their language skills allow.
Secondly, to increase students’ awareness of the
intellectual dimension of research practice.
Students will be encouraged to reflect on the ways
in which research resources and practices have
developed through time, on the circumstances and
intentions which have shaped their character, and on
the challenges and opportunities which they
therefore present to users.
The structure of the course reflects the aim of
encouraging learning through practice and
discussion: plenary presentations, jointly run by
academics and librarians, will be followed by
period-specific classes, for which students will
complete short exercises, and in which academics
will coordinate discussion.
The current plan is for
the following topics to be covered in the four
weeks:
- Scholarly practice: negotiating your
relationship to primary and secondary sources
- Researching bibliography: printed sources,
secondary and primary
- Oxford library, museum and electronic primary
resources
- Researching archival resources outside Oxford
The purpose of the Optional Subject is to introduce
students to stimulating fields of historical enquiry
in which new work is being undertaken and from which
it is possible to glean ideas for future research.
Students take one Optional Subject which, it is
hoped, bears some relation to their research
interests and also stretches them in challenging
ways. They are encouraged to read as widely as
possible in the historiography and to think about
new approaches and methods that are being tried out.
The first half of the course is designed to open up
the field as widely as possible. Students may be
required to make class presentations and vigorous
participation in class discussion is expected.
During the second half of term the class will be
more orientated towards the topics on which students
are focussing for their 4,000- to 5,000-word essays.
The assessed essay will reflect the student’s
special interests, but should show evidence of a
broader understanding of field in which chosen
themes and approach are played out.
Dissertation
Both prograqmmes build towards a research-based
dissertation, of 15,000 words for the M.St., and of
30,000 words for the M.Phil.
A good dissertation is driven by a research
question or problem suitable for original historical
enquiry. The research question emerges from critical
engagement with the literature in a particular
field. A candidate is expected to make considered
and effective use of the appropriate sources, which
should be consulted in the original so far as
appropriate and practical. A dissertation is not an
arbitrary or intuitive processing of primary
material. It must have a coherent approach or method
– one that is relevant and effective for the purpose
of the dissertation. It should be presented in a
lucid and scholarly manner. For more advice consult
the broader discussion of what is expected of a doctoral thesis.
For formal
assessment criteria and submission deadlines see
individual ‘Instructions
to Candidates’.
The two degree
programmes: M.St. and M.Phil.
There are two taught programmes on offer: a
two-year Master of Philosophy (21 months) and a
9-month Master of Studies; both programmes commence
in October. Either may be taken as a terminal
master’s degree, but they are also conceived as
standard entry routes into doctoral study for
students with research interests in any of these
regions. It should be stressed, however, that the
admission of any candidate to further study at
Oxford will depend on his/her overall performance in
their master's examination, together with the
viability of their proposed research topic and the
availability of appropriate supervision at Oxford.
The Master of Studies in
Modern British and European History
The newly revised British and European programme
that has been developed within the faculty’s M.St.
in History offers a 9-month introduction to
postgraduate research, in all aspects of history
centered on (but not necessarily always being
confined to) Britain and Europe since about 1500.
Initial coursework elements – methods training and
an optional paper – are shared with the twenty-one
month M.Phil. in Modern European History. This
programme is designed to meet the needs of students
who wish to build upon their undergraduate studies
through one year of further study only, and also for
those who hope to proceed to doctoral work.
The examination comprises four elements: (1) a
research proposal of 800-1,000 words (submitted in
January, following the introductory methods course)
(2) a methods essay of between 4,000 and 5,000
words; (3) an essay relating to the option studied
of between 4,000 and 5,000 words; and (4) a
dissertation of up to 15,000 words. Candidates may
in addition be required to attend a final oral
examination in late June or early July.
Students who hope to proceed to doctoral work will
be encouraged to develop their master’s and doctoral
proposals in tandem during the first few months, so
that they will be well placed to make doctoral
applications. All students will be encouraged to
attend some of the faculty’s many advanced research
seminars. All coursework must be completed by the
start of the Easter vacation, leaving two and a half
months in which students can work wholly on their
own research projects; this is among other things
intended to make it possible for students who need
to do research abroad to spend some weeks in
overseas archives at this time. Students will also
have the opportunity to present their
work-in-progress at a conference specific to this
programme at the start of the third term.
Programme details:
Teaching
and examination in this programme comprises three
compulsory elements.
(1) an
introductory Methods course, comprising four weekly
classes on ‘Sources and Resources’ and eight weekly
classes on ‘Theory and Methods’ during Michaelmas
Term. It is expected that there will be 3-4 classes
running in parallel; also present at these classes
will be students studying for the MPhil in Modern
European History. Assessment is by an essay of
4-5,000 words arising from work done for the ‘Theory
and Methods’ classes, and an 800-1,000-word research
proposal, drawing on skills and understanding
developed through attendance at both series of
classes, and through work with the student’s
supervisor.
(2) an
Optional Subject, taught in eight weekly classes
during Hilary Term. It is expected that students
will choose options broadly relating to the topic of
their proposed research. Not every subject offered
may be on offer every year (depending in part on
levels of student demand). Again, also present at
these classes will be students studying for the
M.Phil. in Modern European History. Assessment is by
an essay of 4-5,000 words, submitted immediately
after the end of term.
Additional instruction:
Further optional methods modules, comprising up to
four weekly classes, may also be offered (e.g., it
is intended that there should be an optional module
covering methods in intellectual history).
(3) a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on
a topic falling within the scope of this M.St. It is
expected that the dissertation will broadly relate
to the time period of the student’s Optional
Subject.
The Dissertation is written during the Easter
vacation and the first five weeks of Trinity Term,
but it is essential that students begin to formulate
and plan their dissertation in conjunction with
their supervisors from the beginning of the course.
Between them, Theory and Methods and Sources and
Resources provide the tools for the student to
elaborate their own research proposal, which they
are required to have defined by the beginning of the
second term. This should take into account relevant
theory and methodological approaches,
historiographical literature, and an appreciation of
the sources which will provide evidence for the
dissertation.
It is logical, though not necessary, that the
dissertation should emerge in some way from the
Optional Subject. This will have introduced the
student to a broad historiography in an exciting
field, and often to debates and controversies, which
suggests a range of possibilities for future
enquiry. It should also introduce the student to
different sources and approaches used by historians
in their research.
Contact
information
The
current programme convenor is Professor
Robert Gildea (Worcester College)
All teaching-related and
examination matters are handled by the History
Graduate Office:
telephone: (01865) 615002 (or 15002 from an internal
phone)
fax: (01865) 250704
address: History Graduate Office, Old High School
for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL
The Master of Philosophy
in Modern British and European History
The M.Phil. in Modern
British and European History, backed by the History
Faculty’s Modern European History Research Centre
(MEHRC), is an innovative and intensive two-year
programme that provides a thorough training in
historical methods: it offers a range of specialist
options that draw on the latest research, and
includes a sustained period devoted to archival
research and dissertation writing. Students on this
degree programme have access to a comprehensive menu
of skills training for postgraduates, as well as a
systematic schedule of introductions to the
unrivalled research facilities of the University of
Oxford. M.Phil. students are also encouraged to take
full advantage of the History Faculty’s extensive
range of specialist scholarly seminars and colloquia
in all fields of history.
The Oxford M.Phil. is unusual not only in offering
the wider scope of a two-year degree, but also in
embracing both the early modern (1500-1800) and
modern (post-1800) history of continental Europe and
the British Isles. The programme can serve either as
free-standing Master’s degree or as comprehensive
preparation for D.Phil. research in the fields of
history within its scope. Doctoral research
generally takes another two or three years and is
eligible for full AHRC support. Students are
assigned to a specialist in their field for
dissertation supervision and advice, but they are
also encouraged to consult other members of the
History Faculty (and of other appropriate faculties)
as needed. For their individual research on their
dissertation candidates are likely to receive
permission to work in continental or British
archives outside Oxford in the Long Vacation and the
second Michaelmas Term of the M.Phil. programme.
FIRST YEAR
In the
first year of the course the M.Phil. overlaps with
the M.St. in two papers. These are
(1) an
introductory Methods course, comprising four weekly
classes on ‘Sources and Resources’ and eight weekly
classes on ‘Theory and Methods’ during Michaelmas
Term. It is expected that there will be 3-4 classes
running in parallel. Assessment is by an essay of
4-5,000 words.
(2) an
Optional Subject, taught in eight weekly classes
during Hilary Term. It is expected that students
will choose options broadly relating to the topic of
their proposed research. Not every subject offered
may be on offer every year (depending in part on
levels of student demand). Assessment is by an essay
of 4-5,000 words.
(3) The third
paper, which is specific to the MPhil programme, is
a class on ' Writing History' in Trinity Term. This
paper complements previous work done on
historiography, sources and methods by exploring the
making of the ‘finished product’ of published works
of history.
It explores the challenges faced by historians in
terms of the framing, structuring and presentation
of their work. These include:
- Scholarship and Markets
How do historians reconcile the obligation to
satisfy their academic peers with the ambition to
access a more general readership?
- Microscopes and Telescopes
How do historians variously ‘zoom in’ on case
studies which they subject to ‘thick description’
and analysis, and ‘zoom out’ to consider
historical problems in a much wider global or
comparative context?
- People and Causes
How do historians relate human agency and
deep-seated causes when explaining historical
events? What have been the most effective kinds of
individual or collective biography?
- Plots and Problems
How do historians vary their approach to
historical questions between problem-solving or
detective work on the one hand, and linking events
through narrative plot on the other? What does
historical narrative owe to other media such as
literature or film?
This
element will be assessed by an essay of between
4,000 and 5,000 words.
(4) Dissertation proposal
In week 6 of the third term of the first year,
students must submit an extended dissertation
proposal of between 2,000 and 2.500 words.
SECOND YEAR
The second
year comprises two elements
(5) In the Hilary term of the
second year there is a Historical Concepts and
Controversies class in which graduates are invited
to relate their own dissertation research to wider
historiographical, theoretical and methodological
issues. This is intended to help maximise the impact
of the detailed research which graduates are writing
up. It is assessed by a class presentation and an
essay of 7,000 words.
(6) Dissertation
The Long Vacation between the two years and the
Michaelmas Term of the second year is dedicated to
archival research. This provides the basis of a
30,000 word dissertation which is written up for
submission in week 6, Trinity Term (the third term).
Additional instruction and
expectations:
Foreign language skills are encouraged and their
acquisition is fully supported. As a two-year
programme, the M.Phil. offers ample time for
students to improve existing foreign language skills
or to learn a new language in order to extend their
research. The University's Language Centre provides
courses in major languages at every level, including
reading courses. In the case of continental European
topics, students will need to satisfy their
supervisor and the course convenor that they have,
or are acquiring, adequate (reading) knowledge of
the relevant language(s) to pursue their
dissertation work. Those specializing in the history
of the British Isles should note, however, that
their research would also profit from linguistic
competence in other languages than English, and they
are therefore advised to make use of the
opportunities for language training. The Faculty
also co-organizes with the Language Centre reading
classes in certain European languages. Students who
are expected to benefit from the study of Latin will
be invited to attend a pre-sessional Latin class,
which will then be supplemented by term-time
teaching. Other specialised training – e.g., in
palaeography, quantitative methods and IT skills –
is also available.
Contact
information
The current programme convenor is Professor
Robert Gildea (Worcester College)
All teaching-related and
examination matters are handled by the History
Graduate Office:
telephone: (01865) 615002 (or 15002 from an internal
phone)
fax: (01865) 250704
address: History Graduate Office, Old High School
for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL
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