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This is a course about different theoretical and methodological approaches to writing history. It is the first of two course parts aiming to train PhD candidates in key aspects of writing history. However, the content is not solely of use for historian. Rather it might also serve theoretical and methodological needs for other disciplines as well.
The course is divided into areas of historical research. The first tier is of a more generic kind, the second is distinctly thematic and the third explicitly methodological, although overlaps occur; there are distinctly thematic approaches that can be regarded methodological. We will cover some areas in this first course and return to the rest in the second part. The areas, and how they are exemplified, will reflect the research interests of the Division of History at KTH where science, technology and environment form central cores of exploration.
Sometimes courses in theory and method end up looking like courses only in theory. This is partly due to the fact that (contrary to some ambitions) the theoretical understanding and underpinning of a work remains with the final product, whereas the methodological understanding might not be as visible. It might be hard to find the method, even if it is stated in the beginning of an introductory chapter. Moreover, in historical research, the relation to methodology has traditionally been different than in social science generally speaking. In this course we will try and keep the methodology question alive throughout the reading, but we will also have a few sessions solely devoted to methods.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course each student will have developed a solid understanding of some of the key approaches to writing history in relation to science, technology and environment. This includes the ability to identify and evaluate different historiographical perspectives, but also to consider how they might inform the student’s own research, and how that research might be located within broader historical frameworks. Moreover, the student should be familiar with a few methodologies and have received training in choosing a particular method and theory for a specific question.
Format and Course Requirements
The course consists of seven discussion seminars, of which two are longer. All classes will take place in the seminar room of the Division of History of Science, Technology and Environment, on the top floor of Teknikringen 74D. An 80 percent attendance is expected, but we would like to stress that this is a compulsory course. If you miss a class, you still need to hand in the assignment for that class in time. If you have trouble doing so, speak to the coordinator beforehand.
Each student is required to read all course material and be prepared to discuss the readings in class. For each session, there is an instruction on how to prepare and what is expected as an assignment. Examination is continuous during the course and there is no final essay.