A pathway from foundations to application
This self-directed pathway organises history into four connected stages. It is a subject exploration resource rather than an accredited programme specification. Work through the stages at a pace that allows time for reading, practice and reflection.
1. Historical methods
Focus on historical methods as a way to understand interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to historical methods. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how historical methods connects with global history. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
2. Global history
Focus on global history as a way to understand interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to global history. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how global history connects with archival research. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
3. Archival research
Focus on archival research as a way to understand interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to archival research. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how archival research connects with public history. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
4. Public history
Focus on public history as a way to understand interpreting change through sources and competing explanations. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to public history. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how public history connects with historical methods. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.