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HIS-20125 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

HIS-20125 - Reformation and Revolution: Creating Britain and America
Coordinator: Siobhan Talbott Tel: +44 1782 7 33464
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

How were Britain and America created? How does the past shape the political and cultural world we now live in? Consolidating the historical skills you began to develop in your first year, you will learn how modern Britain and America were formed, and explore historic reactions to the process of their creation. While studying this module you will enhance your critical thinking, begin to develop independent research skills, and move towards becoming a practising historian.

Aims
To explore debates over the complex and contested histories of Britain and America by analysing a crucial period for the development of these nations (c.1500-1800); to develop students' understanding of the concepts of reformation and revolution and how these might be applied to these histories; to advance students' historical knowledge and skills in preparation for the final year of their degree.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the history of the creation of Britain and America in the early modern period, including the relationships between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and between these nations with the American colonies;: 1
analyse historiographical debates, including about the development of national identity and the notions of reformation and revolution;: 2
interpret and analyse primary source material related to early modern Britain and America;: 1
consider the ways in which the issues discussed in this module help us to think about the modern world, particularly in the wake of debate on Welsh Devolution, Scottish Independence, Brexit, and recent American elections.: 2

Study hours

12 hours lectures/workshops
12 hours seminars
42 hours seminar preparation
30 hours reflective diary preparation and writing
54 hours commentary/edition preparation and writing

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 60%
Source Commentary OR Critical Edition
You may choose between the following two options for this assessment: 1. Source Commentary. You will submit a single source commentary commenting on two primary sources of different types (e.g. letter, painting, ballad, broadsheet), assessing and comparing their usefulness and setting this in an appropriate historical context. Analyses should be supported by appropriate secondary reading. You may use sources supplied to you or you may find your own e.g. through platforms such as EEBO; tutors must approve all source choices. 1,500 words. OR 2. Critical Edition: You will select a primary source relating to the themes of the module, in consultation with your seminar tutor, and prepare a critical edition consisting of a transcription with modernised spelling and punctuation, appropriate explanatory notes, along with a critical introduction setting out the importance of the original text, how it may be used to reflect on scholarly debates, putting it in its original context, and explaining the methods used in the transcription. The length of the original text to be edited may vary due to the nature of the source material, and your tutor will guide you on both the suitability of the source you have chosen and the appropriate length. The accompanying critical introduction and notes should not exceed 1000 words.

2: Reflective Diary weighted 40%
Reflective Diary
At the end of the module you will submit a reflective diary in which you will discuss the development of your understanding of the topics discussed in this module. You should discuss your interpretation and use of secondary reading, your understanding of historiographical trends, and your contributions to seminar discussions and how these have impacted your understanding. Your reflective diary must cover at least 6 of the topics covered by seminars. You may submit up to 400 words for formative feedback from your tutor prior to final submission. Total word count: 1,000 words.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026