HIS-20097 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

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: 1,2
Analyse 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: 1
Evaluate scholarly debates in the contested notions of Britain and 'British' history: 2
Analyse 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: 1,2
Present ideas fluently and cogently in written form: 1,2
Interpret and analyse primary source material relating to early-modern Britain: 1

Study hours

24 hours of lectures/workshops
12 hours of seminars
44 seminar preparation
30 review preparation
40 essay preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment