History Major (Level 1)
History Minor (Level 1)
History Single Honours (Level 1)
The study of Modern History offers a wide-ranging introduction to the political debates and conflicts that frame our lives in the 21st century. In this course we unravel key tenets of the history of our recent past, looking at how societies modernised, populations grew and political ideologies developed since the eighteenth century. This is an era of empire and democracy, the growth of capitalism, huge technological advances, modern warfare, the decline and rise of religion and new political voices such as the Suffragettes and subaltern that have created new histories.
Five main themes are addressed: Politics - in which we look at the rise of nationalism and the age of revolutions; the Economy - in which we look at the process of modernisation and the development of capitalism; Religion - in which we look at secularisation and political ideologies; Marginal Histories - in which we discuss gender history and crime and deviance and Europe and the Wider World which takes us to the impact of imperialism and globalisation across the world.
This module is taught by leading scholars of modern history through weekly lectures and weekly small group seminars, which will involve discussions across the class and in smaller groups, looking at primary sources and engaging with the secondary literature. There are rich online resources and a range of stimulating course set books which you will use.
No previous knowledge of modern history is assumed and the module will appeal to all students interested in how historical developments can cast light on current problems and dilemmas, as well as being a vital module for students taking principal history.
Preparatory Reading can be undertaken by consulting the following textbooks: T.C.W Blanning (ed.), The Oxford History of Modern Europe (OUP, 2000) and C.A. Bayley, The Birth of the Modern World (Blackwell, 2004).
demonstrate and develop their ability to communicate orally with greater clarity about key historical ideas and concepts, and engage in debate. will be achieved by assessments: 1
identify key themes from lectures and consolidate these ideas through reading and discussion. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
develop further their general skills in reading effectively, note-taking from lectures and reading material, oral presentations and debate and essay writing. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
10 seminars
30 hours seminar preparation
40 hours essay preparation
30 hours lecture consolidation
30 hours exam revision
Exercises set as formative assessments and used as the basis for seminar discussions. They will include analyses of a variety of primary source documents.
This plan and bibliography will be preparation for the longer coursework essay.
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.