Unit information: Britain's Long Nineteenth Century, 1789-1914 in 2020/21

Unit name	Britain's Long Nineteenth Century, 1789-1914
Unit code	HIST30120
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Sheldon
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	none
Co-requisites	none
School/department	Department of History (Historical Studies)
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit addresses the history of Britain between the French Revolution and the outbreak of the First World War. Between 1789 and 1914 a distinctively modern British identity emerged which still leaves its impression upon the twentieth and twenty-first century. Britain became the first urban and industrial society, witnessed unprecedented economic growth and linked population expansion. New political and cultural forms emerged side by side with this transformation. Gender relations were shaped and reshaped. The nature of politics also shifted onto a new terrain as mass participation by men and women grew. Britain’s relationship with the wider world was also transformed through war, empire, trade and migration. Many years of study and writing upon Britain in this period suggest it might be considered a jewel in the crown of historical scholarship. Students will be introduced to the period’s main processes, structural features and events as well as some of the rich primary sources (many of which can now be accessed digitally via university web resources). Approaches will focus upon social and cultural history including especially class and gender with a special focus on history from below.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, successful students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the key developments in British history across Britain’s ‘long’ nineteenth century.
2. Discuss and evaluate key historiographical debates relating to the political, social and cultural history of Britain’s ‘long’ nineteenth century.
3. Understand and interpret primary sources and select pertinent evidence in order to illustrate specific and more general historical points.
4. Present their research and judgements in oral and written forms and styles appropriate to the discipline and to level H/6.

Teaching Information

Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.

Assessment Information

1 x Individual Presentation (25%) [ILOs 1-4]

1 x Timed Assessment (75%) [ILOs 1-4]

Reading and References

Please see Blackboard for all Reading and References information.