What will I learn on this module?
Political and social life is often shaken by claims about scandalous circumstances and events. In some cases, such revelations are the result of thorough investigations by activists and journalists, who help uncover serious misdeeds. In other instances, however, social media and ‘fake news’ amplify conspiracy theories and lies, casting suspicion on innocent people. The module approaches these different phenomena from a historical perspective.
There are two major strands to this module. First, you will investigate how, at different points in history, particular individuals or groups became the victim of false allegations. Potential examples include the fate of women who faced accusations of witchcraft as well as the stereotypes and myths that were deployed against Jews. In covering such cases, you will gain a better understanding of the perfidious power of rumours and lies. The second strand deals with political scandals and their attempted cover-ups. In some cases, such scandals amounted to significant milestones in political history. For example, the Watergate affair – revolving around major abuses of power by US president Richard Nixon – was uncovered by journalists, leading to Nixon’s resignation and becoming a reference point in American politics. You will also learn about scandals that involved corruption or people’s private lives – and the way in which they were covered in the media.
As a whole, the module advances your understanding of specific places, events and time periods, while tackling issues that are of ongoing significance.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn on this module by attending lectures and seminars. The lectures will introduce you to a particular case and its wider historical context. You will deepen your understanding of the subject through weekly seminars, which are based on independent reading that is undertaken in preparation to the seminar sessions. Seminar discussions will incorporate both large and small group discussions, built around focused questions on relevant themes and topics. Seminars will also include significant engagement with carefully selected primary sources. You will receive formative feedback throughout the learning process and summative assessment will match your learning against the learning outcomes for the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through your module tutor, engagement with your peers, and through the programme leader. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised Feedback and Consultation hours and via email. Your peers will provide you with a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your degree programme, of which this module is part. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the academic literature, lectures, and resources available on the eLP. Formative feedback will be on-going through seminar activities and assessment tasks.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate your understanding of different historical concepts and phenomena
2. Display an ability to analyse historical events relating to different periods or places
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Engage with scholar texts and concepts
4. Communicate your findings and ideas in writing
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Show awareness of the potency and dangers of rumours and stereotypes
How will I be assessed?
This module is assessed by one primary-source discussion of 500 words (weighted at 25%) and one essay of 1,500 words (weighted at 75%).
You will receive formative feedback from your tutor and your peers in your seminars. You will also have the opportunity to discuss an essay plan for both of these assignments. You will receive written feedback from your tutor on all assignments. Feedback on initial summative assessments will enable you to improve on later ones.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module examines how rumours and scandals are made, and it highlights the political and social power that they have exercised at various points in history. On the one hand, you will investigate how particular individuals or groups became the victims of false allegations – for instance through witchcraft accusations or through anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. On the other hand, you will consider the efforts of journalists and activists who helped to uncover corruption, serious abuses of power and their attempted cover-us. In studying a variety of historical cases, you will learn about different places, events and time periods, and at the same time, explore issues that are highly relevant to society today.
Course info
UCAS Code L8L9
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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