What science gets covered in print, on TV and online? How and why is that material selected? How can we investigate the effects of media coverage on public...

What science gets covered in print, on TV and online? How and why is that material selected? How can we investigate the effects of media coverage on public knowledge of or attitudes towards science? This module offers an introduction to media studies for those interested in relations between science and the media and the general discipline of science communication. The module surveys relevant empirical and theoretical work in media studies and public engagement with science. It also encourages the application of theory to real-world case studies.

We will examine and interrogate a set of overlapping concerns that have not only shaped global history, imperial history, and histories of empire, but also...

We will examine and interrogate a set of overlapping concerns that have not only shaped global history, imperial history, and histories of empire, but also stirred debate about the dividing line between such historiographical approaches. These concerns are to do in the first instance with scale in historical analysis and the drawing of connections and comparisons across and between different scalar units of analysis and over time. The core course will introduce students to relevant concepts and categories, trace the evolution of these different approaches to historical production, examine their application to a range of historical sub-fields, and consider some of the hallmark or canonical works.

 

ECONOMIC HISTORY|COMPARATIVE HISTORY|QUANTITATIVE HISTORY|ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This module explores selected topics in economic history. The weekly seminars are organised around broad themes each will be linked to a major debate in...

This module explores selected topics in economic history. The weekly seminars are organised around broad themes each will be linked to a major debate in economic history, including the role of the state in economic history, the relationship between religion and economic development, long-term economic divergence and convergence, historical trends in prices and wages, and crises in economic history. The seminars will critically discuss different types of methods, theories and historical evidence used by economic historians including the formal models, quantitative evidence and statistical analysis methods. The readings will cover a wide range of historical periods, but the majority of the discussion will focus on early modern and modern eras. In terms of geographical coverage, most of the themes will be explored from a comparative or global perspective. Although a background in economic history is not necessary, students will be expected to engage with the technical language of economics and rethink certain types of historical questions from an economic perspective.