HIST 3728

Part 2: How to make history

Compiled by

Mr. W. de Wet

Dr R. Swartz

2021

NQF level 7

Number of credits: 32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Welcoming.................................................................................................................... 2
2. Module Objective & Outcomes ................................................................................... 3
3. Module Calendar .......................................................................................................... 5
4. Study Material .............................................................................................................. 6
5. Assessment information ............................................................................................. 7
6. Assignment ................................................................................................................ 11
7. General remarks......................................................................................................... 12

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 1. WELCOMING

Dear student,

Welcome to HIST 3728 Part 2 focusing on methodology in History. We will essentially be

looking at ‘how to make History’. Here is all the information that you will need to contact all the
relevant staff in the History Department.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Head of Department: Dr Clement Masakure

Office number: Flippie Groenewoud Building, Office 9B (Bloemfontein Campus)

Email address: [email protected]

Phone number: 051 401 7945

Consultation hours: E-mail

SUBJECT HEAD: QWAQWA

Subject Head: Dr Tshepo Moloi

Office number: Mendi Building, Office 24 (QwaQwa campus)

Email address: [email protected]

Consultation hours: E-mail

LECTURER

Lecturer: Mr. Wouter de Wet

Office number: Mendi Building, Office 11 (QwaQwa campus)

Email address: [email protected]

Consultation hours: E-mail

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 2. MODULE OBJECTIVE & OUTCOMES

Module objective:

In this module, research methodology is explored in creative and practical ways. History, as
you already know, grows from bringing together the records of what happened in different time
periods. By contrasting and synthesising a number of reports, stories, and other writings (i.e.
the sources) of a particular period we can begin to understand what actually happened during
that time. In Making History, we not only look at how we can understand something from
looking at the various sources that already exist, we also challenge you to place on record the
stories of this time in history that can become a source of information for people who follow us
in the course of life. In other words, we challenge you to Make History for yourself.

The focus is on the different forms that historical sources may take, from movies and books to
websites and archival documents. We look at what history sources entail, and how to evaluate
and utilise these sources. This is complex, and it is therefore of vital importance that you:

• Utilize all the sources: The study guide, the internet, the library, suggested BlackBoard
reading material, lecture material, etc.
• Organize your notes as we continue. It cannot be crammed a night before the due date
of an assessment or test.
• Take control of your module.

The aim of this module is to orientate the student with regard to certain important historical
components. The most important aim of this course is to introduce the student to history as a
science.

Module outcomes:

1. Describe the history of history-as-scientific-discipline, by identifying certain historical

themes and how they may relate other academic fields.

2. Recognise the existence of different forms of knowledge, approaches and schools of

thought as they apply to the Making of History and describe and discuss in general terms the
various main groupings/categories of historical schools of thought.

3. Recognise and explain oral history as an important aspect of historical science and
specifically discuss contemporary approaches to historiography

4. Conceptualise and explain the concept of a “history source”.

5. Independently evaluate these different sources, to select information relevant to the

assigned tasks, and apply accepted methods effectively to test the truth value and objectivity
of information produced by oral sources, recognising the difference between subjective and
objective sources.

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6. Discuss and evaluate the various ways in which history in the contemporary world are
narrated or communicated.

7. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of oral history and debate the influence of
memory on the acquisition of information.

8. Apply, according to history making methods and procedures, a logical, critical investigative
approach to problem-solving by planning and producing a practical oral history project

9. Appreciate the ethical implications of decision-making and actions in the process of

producing an original historical source

10. Present the information in the relevant academic formats required by assignments set and
in a manner that is appropriate to the audience.

11. Function productively in a group and demonstrate appreciation regarding the acceptance
of responsibility for one’s own decisions and the way these decisions impact on the group as
a whole.

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 3. MODULE CALENDAR

The content and learning material of this module will be uploaded to Blackboard at the start of
the term. Follow the calendar below to work your way through the module in a systematic way.

Week Content Assessments

Week 1 Unit 1: What is History?

Mon. 13 – Fri. 17 Sept. Unit 2: Sources

Week 2 Unit 3: Objectivity and Fri. 24 Sept: Public holiday

Subjectivity
Mon. 20 – Thu. 23 Sept.
Unit 4: Biography and
Autobiography

Week 3 Unit 5: Propaganda

Mon. 27 Sept. – Fri. 1 Unit 6: Satire

Oct.

Mon. 4 – Fri. 8 Oct. University break/holiday

Week 4 Unit 7: Meta-history Assignment: Due by Fri.

15 Oct., 23:59, Turnitin
Mon. 11 – Fri. 15 Oct. submission.

Week 5 Unit 8: Freedom of Speech

Mon. 18 – Fri. 22 Oct. Unit 9: Ethics

Week 6 Unit 10: Hate Speech Online test: Multiple

Choice Quiz; Mon. 25
Mon. 25 – Fri. 29 Oct. (00:01) – Fri. 29 Oct.
(23:59).

Week 7 Revision Revision

Mon. 1 – Fri. 5 Nov.

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 4. STUDY MATERIAL

• Lecture material (in PDF format) will be uploaded to Blackboard. This will explain the
topic in some detail. Although this lecture material forms the majority and basis of what
we do in this module, a lot still depends on your own further reading on the different
topics.
• There is no prescribed textbook for this module. However, there are numerous
suggested readings available on the module’s Blackboard page.
• A recorded lecture of each unit will also be available to students.
• To replicate the interaction we would have had under ‘normal’ circumstances, i.e. face-
to-face lectures, there will be a Discussion Forum on the module’s Blackboard page
where students can ask content-related questions. This virtual Q&A-session will be live
from 10:00-12:00 every Monday, while questions posted outside of those times will be
responded to as soon as it is possible for the lecturer.
• History is a reading subject. In the library there is a plethora of books, articles, videos
etc. dealing specifically with the various themes of this course. As such there are no
formally prescribed books. The initiative and responsibility is yours. Go to the library
(and/or internet) and start delving into the themes.

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 5. ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

This module follows a model of continuous assessment, meaning that there is no traditional
exam at the end of the semester, but rather that students’ final mark will be calculated from
the various assessments completed through the course of the semester.

You will have two (2) assessments in Part 1 and two (2) assessments in Part 2 of the module,
with each assignment contributing 20% towards your final mark, and each online test/quiz
contributing 10% (sub-total 60%). Then, at the end of the semester, there will be a compulsory
summative assessment that contributes the remaining 40% to your final mark.

See the table below for a breakdown of how your final mark in HIST 3728 will be calculated:

Assessment Weight/Contribution to final mark

Part 1: Assignment 20%

Part 1: Online test/quiz 10%

Part 2: Assignment 20%

Part 2: Online test/quiz 10%

Sub-total 60%

Summative Assessment 40%

Final mark 100%

Assignment:

- See pp. 11-12 of this Study Guide for full instructions and details.

Test:

- General: Online quiz on QuestionMark (The link will be sent to students and will be
available on the module’s Blackboard page.)
- Date: Week 6 (Monday 25 Oct. 00:01 to Friday 29 Oct. 23:59)
- Format: 50 x multiple choice questions; 60 minutes; one (1) attempt.
- Scope: Content of Units 1-10.
- Technical issues: If you experience any technical problems while writing the online
test, please contact the Questionmark helpdesk at [email protected] to assist.
(See point no. “10. Queries and technical difficulties” on p. 10 of this Study Guide for
further details.)

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Summative Assessment:

- General: Online quiz on QuestionMark (the link will be made available on the module’s
Blackboard page)
- Date: To be announced in due course on Blackboard.
- Format: 50 x multiple choice questions (25 from Part 1, 25 from Part 2); 60 minutes;
two (2) attempts with the highest mark counting.
- Scope: All content from Part 1 and Part 2 of the module
- An Additional Summative Assessment will be available to students who 1) obtained
a final mark of 45%-49%, and 2) did not write the Summative Assessment to poor
health or other valid reasons and can prove as such with valid legal documentation.
The dates and details of this additional opportunity will be announced on Blackboard
and via e-mail in due course, and the same format and scope applies here.

Online assessment tips:

1. Read and understand the test guidelines

• Where? What? Where? Date? Timespan? What is, practically, required? For how long
will the e-assessment be accessible? How many attempts are allowed? How much
weight does it carry?
• BEFORE your attempt: Familiarize yourself with all aspects.
• BEFORE your attempt: Contact the lecturer if uncertain about any aspect.

2. Know the test format

• What kinds of questions (i.e. multiple-choice, essay questions) may be expected?

• Of course the better you know the work, the less of a stress-factor will this be.

3. Test yourself

• Have a friend/family member quiz you from the slides (plus your personal notes) within
a specific set time.

4. Check your computer/device

• It is vital that a candidate test (and test again) whether the device to be used is
operational and smoothly running.
• Make sure your relevant device and BlackBoard (BB) and/or Questionmark (QM)
support each other.
• Make sure that wherever you are going to take the assessment there is adequate
reception/wi-fi, etc. If you are not going to use your own device, then it is even more
important that you (re)check the device.
• Make sure about your available data.

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 • It is wise to test your BB/QM-connection ten minutes before your attempt so as to
ensure there are no technical problems.
• If you share an e-connection (i.e. family, flatmates), undertake your attempt when the
other users are not online (so as to not slowdown your connection.) Ask the other users
to give you some space to complete your assessment.
• DISABLE: Screensaver, sleep mode, standby mode – these functions may interrupt
your session. Unfortunately, here we as lecturers can’t help. It is the candidate’s
responsibility.

5. Study the class materials

• Study, contemplate and repeat!

6. Carve out a quiet test-taking spot with minimal distractions

• Turn off all notifications from instant messaging, your phone, your email, and
elsewhere (or, set them to silent). Shut off the TV and radio.
• Let your family/roommates know that you’ll be taking a test, so that they’re less likely
to interrupt you during that time.
• Choose beforehand a setting that’s conducive to assessment.

7. Determine when you will take the test

• If the assessment is accessible for a prolonged period of time, decide when you will
take part.
• DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT, because if something were to go wrong,
your lecturers will be unable to assist.

8. Writing the test

• Take a deep breath… After logging in, close your eyes for a moment. You are in
control. Clear your mind, and then go for it.
• Once you have entered the assessment it is registered as an attempt. (When you start
the assessment, click OK, but only once. Wait for the page to load completely. DO
NOT double click, as it may invalidate your attempt.)
• Consider an alarm at 20 minute intervals or ask a friend/family member to make you
aware of how much time you have left. Blackboard will also automatically give you
notifications about the time left during the course of the test.
• Make sure to save all your answers as you make your way through the test.
• Don’t simply leave the test page. Complete the entire test online before pressing the
Submit button. Submission of the test is a two-step verification process, meaning that
you will have to click on Submit, and then you will be asked whether you are sure you’d
like to submit (OK/Cancel). Click on “OK” to finalize the submission of the test.
• Make sure to check the Eskom Loadshedding schedule of the specific area in which
you are when writing the test. Loadshedding will not be accepted as a reason or excuse
for the missing the test or encountering difficulties.

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9. When writing the test, do not:

• Double-click on any command.

• Open a separate program.
• Use any browser-based navigation buttons (i.e. Browser History, Back, Next) during
your assessment.

10. Queries and technical difficulties

• If you experience any issues while completing an assessment on Questionmark, send

an email to the Questionmark helpdesk at [email protected]. Students must
include the following information to ensure that their query is attended to as quickly as
possible:
o Student number
o Initials & Surname
o Module code (e.g. HIST 3728 Part 2) and Assessment (e.g. Test 2)
o Campus
o Short description of the issue experienced (e.g. “Due to internet connection
problems, I was unable to answer all the questions in the assessment.”)
o Screenshot/photo as evidence of issues experienced
• Student queries will be attended to only during official UFS office hours, i.e. weekdays
between 7:45 and 16:30. Please do not send more than one email to the helpdesk with
the same query. They will respond to your email and they will re-open the assessment
for you if your query is valid, even if this is after the test deadline.
• Assessments will NOT be re-opened if students:
o Submitted an assessment (clicked on the submit button) - whether this was
accidental or not
o Opened an assessment, did not complete the assessment, and tried to re-open
the assessment after the time limit expired
o Do not provide a photo/screenshot of internet connection or any other problems
experienced during the assessment
o Send a query after the assessment deadline.
• Please note that e-mails to lecturers might not be responded to immediately, even
during an assessment week. Please allow up to three (3) working days for a reply,
dependant on the nature of your concern/query/question/etc. E-mails sent outside of
office hours (09:00-17:00) or on public holidays and weekends will also not be
responded to immediately.

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 6. ASSIGNMENT

This assignment is an article analysis. It is based on Dean Allen’s article titled “Tours of
Reconciliation: Rugby, War and Reconstruction in South Africa, 1891-1907”, which is
available on Blackboard.

Instructions:

- Students must complete the assignment individually.

- Your assignment must be a neatly typed Word document, meeting the following
requirements:
o Cover page with initials, surname, and student number
o Font: Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt, 1.5 line spacing, justified text
o Sections and answers numbered correctly and corresponding with questions
- Due date: Friday 15 October 2021, 23:59, Turnitin submission
o Due to the nature of the assignment, do not pay too much attention to the
‘similarity index’ of your assignment when submitting it. In this case, we are
simply using Turnitin to receive and mark your assignments, and not
necessarily as a tool to pick up plagiarism.
o Copying from other students’ work, however, is not permitted and will result in
a mark of zero (0%) for all students implicated.
- No late assignments will be accepted.

Questions:

Section A: Introductory questions [5]

1. Write the full and correct bibliographic entry of this article according to the Chicago-
referencing style, as it would appear in a reference list/bibliography. [1]
2. What is the name of the journal in which this article was published? [1]
3. Which organization’s journal is this? [1]
4. Who is the publisher of this journal? [1]
5. What type of historical source is this? [1]

Section B: Short questions [5]

6. In which years did the first three British rugby tours to South Africa take place? [1]
7. Briefly explain who Paul Roos was. [1]
8. What type of source would “South African Rugby Board, Minutes, 27 April 1904, p.
213” (see endnote 45) most likely be? [1]
9. Provide the titles of the two (2) publications by I.D. Difford that were used as sources
in this article. [1]
10. Provide the titles of any three (3) newspapers and/or periodicals used as sources in
this article. [1]

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Section C: Paragraph questions [20]

11. In a short paragraph and in your own words, briefly summarize the significance of the
1906-1907 Springbok rugby tour to Britain, as argued here by Dean Allen. [5]
12. Would you classify this article as political, economic, or social history? Motivate your
answer. [5]
13. Assess the author’s use of source material in this article, i.e. number of sources,
variety of sources, balance between primary and secondary sources, types of
primary sources used, age of sources, etc. [5]
14. Do you think that the author of this article is objective or subjective? Motivate your
answer. [5]

[Total = 30]

[Converting this mark to a percentage: e.g. you scored 18 out of 30, then 18/30 = 0,6 x 100 =
60%.]

7. GENERAL REMARKS

• All the material students will need to successfully complete the module will be made
available on Blackboard at the start of the term.
• Students are largely responsible for the pace with which they move through the
module. The module calendar, as outlined above, serves as a guide on how to divide
the content of the module among the 7 weeks available to us in the term. With this in
mind, see this as an opportunity to develop and practice good time-management skills.
• Your ‘normal’ lecture hours (3 x 50-minute lectures per week) can be used as a starting
point with which to approach HIST 3728.
• Questions and queries can be sent to lecturers via e-mail.
• Please take note of the assessment dates and details.
• Keep your eyes on Blackboard and/or your UFS e-mail accounts for weekly
communication regarding this module.
• The more control you take of your studies in these times, the more control you will
have over your academic career.

We look forward to a productive and enjoyable term with you!

Mr. Wouter de Wet (QwaQwa campus)

Dr Rebecca Swartz (Bloemfontein campus)

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