The idea of history and historiography. Origins of modern historical thought-Graeco-Roman thought, Judaeo-Christian thought, medieval historical writing. The rise of secularism and scientific thought-the Renaissance, the rise of science, rationalism and empiricism, the Enlightenment. The 19th century reaction against mechanical science-romantic idealism, historicism, Marxism. Contemporary developments-structuralism, post structuralism. Specific topics.