How the AHDS defines subjects relating to it collections

The following descriptions are adapted from the following definitions (all external links).

• Intute subject terms
• Artifact subject headings
• Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) subject benchmark statements
• UK Data Archive subject-browse terms

• the study of the human past, culture and relationship with the environment, (since the earliest hominids to the present day) through material remains.

• the aesthetic representation in one medium of what is reality in another. Includes drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, calligraphy.
• Also includes Art History - the historical study of developments in the arts and consideration of art history methods and techniques as an aspect of cultural history.
• Design considers the design for everyday objects, taking into account technology and commerce as well as appearance and current art thinking. Includes: graphic design, typography, multimedia design, visual communication, illustration, clothing/fashion design, industrial/product design, interior design, furniture design, ceramics design, interactive and electronic design.

• the study of the civilization of Greco-Roman antiquity particularly as received and understood in the Western European tradition such as:
  • literature;
  • languages;
  • theology;
  • culture;
  • history;
  • archaeology;
  • art history
• Includes:
  • the ancient Greek and the Latin languages and literatures; also
  • Ancient History;
  • Byzantine Studies.

[i.e. Classics includes works on all subjects from within the Greco-Roman world during the classical period]

• The study of and/or training in the movement of the body, particularly in time to music. Includes the study of the development of dance in societies and cultures. May include some study of/training in music and/or drama.

• The study of and/or training in acting and stagecraft. May include the study of theatre management and the supervision and production of scenery, costume, lighting, etc.
• The study of/training in the management of lighting, props, scenery and other technical items associated with theatrical performances. Includes: theatrical wardrobe design, theatrical make-up, theatre design, stage design.

[Texts of dramas and plays should always be included both here and in the relevant language subject: e.g. English Studies, French Studies]

• the study of the attempts of humans in the past to organize life materially and conceptually, individually and collectively, thereby providing a sense of the past and an awareness of the developments of differing values, systems and societies. This relates primarily to Western civilization since the age of Charlemagne.
• use "Classics" for Ancient History.

[Works of imaginative literature should be entered under the relevant language. Such a work should be given History as a second subject when (and only when) it is about a specific, named, historical figure/event/movement. In other words - only use when the work has a historical element in its subject matter rather than just through when it was written.]

Use the following sub-divisions:

• History.Administrative history
• History.Agricultural and rural history
• History.Cultural history
• History.Ecclesiastical and religious history
• History.Economic history
• History.Education history
• History.Gender history
• History.Historical geography
• History.Historiography
• History.Imperial and colonial history
• History.Intellectual history
• History.International history
• History.Legal history
• History.Local history
• History.Medical history
• History.Military, naval and maritime history
• History.Palaeography and diplomatic
• History.Political history
• History.Population history
• History.Science and technology history
• History.Social history
• History.Transport history
• History.Urban history

• the study of language in both its theoretical and applied aspects, in all its forms, spoken, written and signed (raising fundamental questions about human cognition and behaviour).

[Works on language - grammar, and language acquisition in particular languages - should be given two subject terms: firstly the relevant language study and, secondly, linguistics]

• The study of communication between people through broadcasting, cinema, the press and by electronic means. May involve the study of the media industry, technical innovations and the role of audiences.
  • Includes
  • Television studies, Radio studies
  • Film studies
  • Electronic Media studies
  • Paper-based Media studies (e.g. books, newspapers and magazines, printing)

• The study of melody, harmony and rhythm produced in accordance with specified patterns and sequences. May include performance, scores, theory and history of music.

• the study of ideas concerning the nature of reality, value and experience that play a pervasive role in understanding the world and ourselves.
  • Includes:
  • general philosophy;
  • philosophical study of particular areas of thought, practice and enquiry;
  • the study of Philosophy's own history;
  • as well as the study of texts and traditions outside the Western world, such as Indian and Buddhist philosophy (but ONLY if this is the study of the philosophy of religion or where those texts are employed to contribute to the practice or enquiry of philosophy).

• the study of religions and belief systems in general, and of particular religious traditions, texts, practices, societies, art and archaeology. This includes world religions like:
  • Buddhism;
  • Christianity;
  • Hinduism;
  • Islam;
  • Judaism;
  • Sikhism;
  • as well as other faiths and newer religious movements.

[Works on religious issues in politics should be entered under both "Religion" and "History"]

• the study of the English language and the literatures of Great Britain and Ireland, and of other literatures from the English-speaking world.
• Includes:
  • literature in translation;
  • drama;
  • creative writing
  • film; and
  • the study of non-literary texts.

[Enter here works of creative literature only. This includes works of poetry and prose. Texts on non-fiction subjects, including biographies and autobiographies, should be entered under the relevant non-fiction subject e.g. History, Religion etc.]

[Works of historical fiction should be entered here, with a secondary "History" subject when the work is about a specific, named, real-life individual, movement or historical event.]

[Dramas - tragedies, comedies etc. - should be entered under "English Studies" and "Drama and Theatre Studies"]

• the study of American culture, literature and society, (past and present).
• Includes:
  • African-American studies;
  • film and mass media;
  • folklore;
  • history;
  • Liberal arts/studies;
  • literature;
  • material culture and historic preservation;
  • philosophy;
  • religion.

• the study of these languages as a medium of understanding, expression and communication.
• Includes:
  • the acquisition of practical competence in the use of the language(s);
  • knowledge of the culture(s), communities, literature, societies, thought and history of the world where the language is used (including their diaspora); and intercultural awareness and understanding.

[All works - fiction and non-fiction - written in one of these languages should be entered under the appropriate heading]

Page last modified: 12th October 2007 by Alastair Dunning
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