School of Humanities  
 
 
HIS-20069 State and Empire in Britain c. 1530-c. 1720  
Co-ordinator: Dr Ian Atherton    Room: CBB0.046, Tel:33205  
Teaching Team: Miss Amanda  Roberts, Mrs Christine  Edge, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

History Dual Honours (Level 2)
History Major (Level 2)
History Minor (Level 2)
History Single Honours (Level 2)
History Single Honours (Level 2)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Barred Combinations

None

Prerequisites

Pass at level one, or appropriate alternative qualifications for visiting students

Description

The module explores British history from the Reformation, through the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (or British civil wars) of the mid seventeenth century, to the Act of Union of 1707 and the beginnings of an overseas empire. Since much of what is called 'British' history is in fact the history of England, or even of London and the south-east, the module approaches 'Britain' and 'British history' as complex and contested concepts through a focus on two troubled centuries when a British state emerged through English dominance over Wales, Ireland and Scotland, Celtic nations struggled to maintain a sense of history and identity, and a 'British' empire began to develop overseas. Developments in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are still relevant to current political debates, especially in Ulster and the Irish republic, while devolution in Wales and Scotland has also made the meaning of 'Britain' controversial in our own times.

Key textbooks for the module are:
Patrick Collinson (ed.), The Sixteenth Century (Short Oxford History of the British Isles, 2002)
Derek Hirst, Dominion: England and its Island Neighbours 1500-1707 (2012)
David Lawrence Smith, A History of the Modern British Isles. The Double Crown 1603-1707 (1998).


Aims

To explore debates over the complex and contested notion of $ùBritish&© history by analyzing a crucial period for the development of the British state and the British empire. To advance students&© historical knowledge and skills using a variety of sources.


Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the history of the British Isles between c. 1530 and c. 1720, particularly the main developments in the history of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, England and the empire, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Analyse debates about the development of national identity (English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish) in the period. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Evaluate the extent to which a British identity developed in the period. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Evaluate scholarly debates in the contested notions of Britain and 'British' history. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Analyse the connections between historical debate and current political controversies. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4






Study hours

150 hours: 10 hours of lectures, 7 hours of seminars, 48 hours seminar preparation, 60 hours essay preparation, 25 hours lecture consolidation


Description of Module Assessment

01: Essay-Plan
Essay plan and bibliography
Formative assessment: an essay plan and bibliography to be submitted in preparation for the module essay (assessment no. 2). Feedback will be provided to guide the student in the completion of their essay.

02: Essay weighted 40%
Essay
An essay of c.2000 words, chosen by the student form a list of c. 8 set questions . The essay requires the students to demonstrate detailed knowledge gained from lectures, seminars and their own reading, to reflect critically and to argue coherently.

03: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 40%
Exam
An unseen two-hour examination in which students will have to answer two essay questions from a list of c.8 questions. The exam requires the students to demonstrate detailed knowledge of specific aspects of the topic, to reflect critically on the key areas outlined in the module and to show well-organized analysis and clear argumentation.

04: Seminar weighted 20%
Seminar and portfolio
Participation is assessed according to level of contribution as well as academic ability, considering evidence of preparation in response to set seminar topics, students' readiness to apply this preparation positively in class discussion and the quality of their contributions. The portfolio of written work should be c. 2000 words in length, containing several pieces of reflection and analysis such as document commentary, book review, lecture commentary, short essay, to be set by the tutor. Half the marks will be given for seminar participation, and half for the written portfolio.


Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.