History: What and Why? : Ancient, Modern and Postmodern Perspectives

This is an introductory survey of the philosophy of history from classical models to the present day.

Taking a postmodern view, it considers what history has meant and why, discusses the relation of history, philosophy and historiography, and looks at how interdisciplinary perspectives such as psychology, linguistics and philosophy have affected the study of history.

It also examines the influence of Marxism, feminism and post-colonialism, and gives an historical context to discussions about the nature and purpose of historical study.