Unit outline_

MHST6916: Public History, Memory and Heritage

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Now more than ever, public history plays a crucial role in shaping ideas about the past. As a way of ‘doing’ history for audiences it encompasses a diverse range of practices, from museum exhibitions and public memorials to digital storytelling and heritage conservation. Each can foster collective memory, facilitate community engagement, and contribute to local economies. This unit of study will examine the ways that public history operates in society as a heritage practice; how it is produced and consumed, studied and understood. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of public history as an academic discipline and public practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
HRTG6901
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator James Findlay, james.findlay@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Creative work group assignment Presentation (video exercise and written rational).
Create a short 5-10 min video (and 500 word written rational) that presents a counter narrative or hidden history relating to a place or person in Sydney. Videos will be screened and discussed in class.
20% Multiple weeks 1000 words (equivalent). AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5
Written work Major essay draft
The first 1500 words of the major essay in draft form.
25% Week 08
Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Written work Major essay
The final major essay (3500 words) asks students to select a piece of public history (eg. museum, heritage site, documentary, or public memorial) and critically evaluate its effectiveness in conveying historical narratives to the public.
45% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59
3500 words. AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Contribution Participation
Prepared, scholarly participation in class discussions throughout semester.
10% Weekly N/A AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO1 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

There are four assignments for this unit of study. All must be completed to be eligible to achieve a passing grade.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work of exceptional standard.
Written work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and reading, pointed and critical analysis of material, innovative interpretation of evidence, makes an insightful contribution to historical debate, engages with values, assumptions and contested meanings contained within original evidence, develops abstract or theoretical arguments on the strength of detailed historical research and interpretation. Properly documented; writing characterised by creativity, style and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of a superior standard.
Written work demonstrates initiative in research and reading, complex understanding and original analysis of subject matter and its context, both empirical and theoretical; makes good attempt to 'get behind' the evidence and engage with its underlying assumptions, takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to historical argument and interpretation, shows critical understanding of the principles and values underlying the unit. Properly documented; writing characterised by style, clarity and some creativity.

Credit

65 - 74

Competent work, demonstrating potential to complete Honours work, though further development needed to do so successfully.
Written work contains evidence of comprehensive reading, offers synthesis and critical evaluation of material on its own terms, takes a position in relation to various interpretations. In addition, it shows some extra spark of insight or analysis. Demonstrates understanding of broad historical significance, good selection of evidence, coherent and sustainable argument, some evidence of independent thought, grasp of relevant historiography.

Pass

50 - 64

Work of an acceptable standard.
Written work contains evidence of minimal reading and some understanding of subject matter, offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question, but may have a tendency to paraphrase; makes a reasonable attempt to organise material logically and comprehensibly and to provide scholarly documentation. There may be gaps in any or all of these areas.

Fail

0 - 49

Work not of an acceptable standard.
Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: lack of sufficient research using appropriate sources; irrelevance of content; failure to answer the specific question or treat the specified theme; irrelevance of content; wholesale lack of analysis or interpretation; unacceptable levels of paraphrasing; presentation, grammar or structure so sloppy that work cannot be understood; very late submission without an extension.

.

 

 

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Public History, Memory and Heritage Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 02 Whose History? Power, Voice and Representation Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 03 Activist Memory and Counter Mapping Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Memory, place and history Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 05 Dialogues in Public History & Heritage (1) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Dialogues in Public History & Heritage (2) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Dialogues in Public History & Heritage (3) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Dialogues in Public History & Heritage (4) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 READING WEEK - NO CLASS Independent study (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Field Trip to Cockatoo Island / Wareamah Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Dialogues in Public History & Heritage (5) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Putting Theory into Practice Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Final Reflections. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority. The Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90 per cent.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

It is important to note that the Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the role public history plays in shaping societal and historical knowledge.
  • LO2. apply interdisciplinary research methods to investigate and assess historical memory, public history and heritage theory and practice
  • LO3. explain interdisciplinary frameworks used in the interpretation and presentation of public history and heritage theory and practice
  • LO4. produce a piece of public history
  • LO5. utilise skills in research, essay writing and presentation (e.g. critical thinking and argument building)

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new version of MHST6916 - feedback will be implemented in future years to develop content further.

It is important to note that the Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.