Quantitative methods in studying history

Teacher(s)

François Aurore;

Language

French

Prerequisites

The mathematical skill normally acquired in secondary education.

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.

Main themes

Critique of numerical documentation. Dealing with a statistical series by elementary methods (organization and processing data, descriptive analysis, graphical presentation.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Attract students' attention to the possibilities of enriching certain historical procedures through recourse to quantitative methods. By the end of this course, in using the methods taught, the student should be able to provide proof that he is capable of critically solving simple historical problems on the basis of numerical data.

Content

Application of quantitative methods in the various aspects of a historical analysis:

• Collection, organization and presentation of data (tables, graphs).
• Analysis and description of a series of data (résumé via a unique value, distribution and concentration). Analysis of a chronological curve. Methods of data adjustment, correlation and covariation.
• Simple and synthetic indices.
• Sampling. Elementary presentation of certain techniques.

Teaching methods

Theoretical presentations, case analysis and resolution of exercises, including computer-based exercises

Evaluation methods

For the January session, the grade is distributed as follows:
    Continuous assessment during the term (tests and homework): 5/20
    Written examination during the January session, partly computer-based (15/20)
For the August session, a written exam, partly on computer, is organised during the session.

Other information

Support : student notes, slides, graphics and statistical tables, datasets

Faculty or entity

EHAC