Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The period between 1760 and 1832 was a tumultuous time in British history. Opening with the accession of George III and culminating with the passing of the Great Reform Act, the period was punctuated - and shaped- by the outbreak of first the American and later the French Revolution, both of which had a profound impact on British politics and political thought. From the Wilkes and Liberty demonstrations which brought lively crowds onto the street in support of a maverick politician, to vociferous calls for the abolition of the slave trade, and the rise of working class radicalism, this period saw the entry of previously excluded groups into political discourse. As a result it also witnessed the invention of innovative methods of sharing political ideas including penny pamphlets, punch bowls, coins and tokens, songs, and even graffiti.

The module will focus on the interaction between political thought and political action. As a Special Subject it will involve a particular focus on understanding this period via the analysis of primary sources. The range of sources analysed will be diverse and students will be encouraged and guided in using textual, visual, and material sources to craft a convincing historical argument.

The module will also be designed to develop students’ oral skills using techniques drawn from the Harkness method. They will be encouraged to work collaboratively and to learn from each other and from their discussions.

The aims of this module are:
•To enable students to study the period 1760-1832 in depth, focusing on political thought and action and on the themes of riot, reform and revolution.
•To introduce students to historical research and guide them in the analysis of primary sources and in the discussion of major historiographical debates on the topic.
•Thereby to enable students to develop their own interpretation of the period.
•To expose students to a wide range of sources including textual, visual, and material sources and to support them in developing their ability to critically analyse such sources and deploy them as part of their historical arguments.
- To support students in the development of oral and listening skills so that they are able to articulate their own ideas effectively, respond thoughtfully and respectfully to those of others, and take part in a stimulating and constructive discussion.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics may include:
- The American Revolution in Britain.
- Wilkes and Liberty.
- The Dissemination of Political Knowledge
- Abolitionism
- The French Revolution in Britain
- A Geordie Revolutionary: Thomas Spence
- The road to 1832

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

- In-depth knowledge of the period 1760-1832 in British history.
- Knowledge of the interrelationship during this period between political thought and political action.
- Detailed knowledge of, and ability to engage with, the key historiographical debates concerning this period.
- A sense of the significance of this period in British history.
- Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of primary source material relating to the period.

Intended Skill Outcomes

As a Special Subject module in history, this module will support the development of a number of general skills including:
- Critical reading and analysis.
- The ability to amass and make sense of a wealth of information and present the findings of this effectively.
- The ability to argue clearly and succinctly both on paper and orally.
- Effective time management.
- Capacity for independent study and self-motivation.

Particular emphasis will be placed on two more specific areas of skills development.
- First, as this is a Special Subject module, students will be encouraged to engage directly with primary material and will be guided to develop their ability to deal with complex written sources such as political tracts and pamphlets, but also to analyse and utilise visual and material sources.
- Secondly, emphasis will also be placed on developing the students' discussion and debating skills across the course of the module through the use of techniques drawn from the Harkness method

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are an opportunity to provide students with basic outlines of the key chronology, themes, and historiographical debates of the period.
Seminars encourage independent study and promote improvements in oral communication, problem solving skills and adaptability.
Surgery time provides the opportunity for students to have individual discussions with the module leader regarding their assessment for the module. This means that individual problems can be picked up on and dealt with in advance of submission.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The documentary commentary tests the ability to critically analyse, contextualise, and connect a primary source to the debates and developments of a given historical period.
The essay tests acquisition of a clear general knowledge of the subject as well as the ability to locate and synthesize relevant information and express complex ideas clearly in written form using appropriate scholarly apparatus.
The formative essay plan helps students to present a strong essay and to think about argument and structure in advance.

Work submitted during the delivery of the module forms a means of determining student progress. Submitted work tests knowledge outcomes and develops skills in research, reading and writing.

General Notes

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