HIS-20097 - Module Specification School of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025
HIS-20097 - Creating Britain, 1536-1707
Coordinator: Ian Atherton Room: CBB0.046 Tel: +44 1782 7 33205
School Office:
Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2025/26
How was ‘Britain’ formed? At the beginning of the sixteenth century, ‘Britain’ did not exist; by 1707, something that looks much more like ‘Britain’ as we recognise it today had been created. In this module, you will look at the changes that led to the creation of Britain. This includes the Incorporation of Wales and the Union of England and Scotland, as well as other important events in early-modern Britain, such as the British Civil Wars and the creation of the ‘Bill of Rights’. Changes in society and culture, including developments in language, religion, and early expansion into what became the British Empire, are explored. You will investigate ideas about ‘British identity’, and look at the connections between the history of the British Isles and modern political controversies, including Welsh Devolution and Scottish Independence. As this is a second-year module, you will further develop your skills in analysing primary source material, thinking critically about scholars’ work, and exploring the ways in which these issues help us to think about the modern world, in preparation for more independent work in your final year.
To explore debates over the complex and contested notion of 'British' history by analysing a crucial period for the development of the British state and the British empire, and to advance students' historical knowledge and skill in preparation for the final year of their degree.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain the history of the British Isles between 1536 and 1707, particularly the main developments in the history of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and England, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: 1,2Analyse debates about the development of national identity (English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish) and evaluate the extent to which a British identity developed in the early modern period: 1Evaluate scholarly debates in the contested notions of Britain and 'British' history: 2Analyse the connections between historical debate and current political controversies, considering the ways in which the issues discussed in this module help us to think about the modern world, particularly in the wake of debates on Welsh Devolution, Scottish Independence and Brexit: 1,2Present ideas fluently and cogently in written form: 1,2Interpret and analyse primary source material relating to early-modern Britain: 1
Study hours
24 hours of lectures/seminars48 seminar preparation34 review preparation (assuming previous adequate preparation for seminars)44 essay preparation (assuming previous adequate preparation for seminars)
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment