Roads to Modernity: An Introduction to Modern History 1750-1945
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| HIST1009 | History | 1 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- HIST1009
- School
- History
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module addresses the nature of ‘modernity’. It explores the ideas and historical experiences that transformed societies around the world during a series of epic journeys from the distant past to the near present. Over the course of the year lectures and seminars will provide a broad chronological survey of major events from 1750 to 1945, focusing on key episodes and historical forces, as well as examining some of the themes, ideologies, and innovations that shaped modern society and culture and defined new visions of the future. Not only did these have a profound effect at the time, but they arguably continue to frame our world today.
Target Students
1st-year Single and Joint Honours History students; Liberal Arts students.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 22 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 22 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Piece of individually assessed coursework
- 50% Coursework 2: Piece of individually assessed coursework
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
The module will provide a foundation for further study in the field of modern history for those who will be exploring this period in parts 1 and 2 of their degree. However it also offers an opportunity to study questions surrounding the issues of what constitutes modernity, how it emerged and what its fate might be.Learning Outcomes
. Knowledge and understanding.
By the end of the module you should be able to:
● explain and interpret the major underlying forces that shaped European and global history in the period under discussion and demonstrate an understanding of key events in this process
● analyse the macro-political processes that were at work in the 19th and 20th centuries such as imperialism and nationalism
● show an awareness of different perspectives in the discipline such as those of political, economic, social, cultural, and international history
● show an appreciation of the nature of modernity and how it evolved between the late 18th and early 20th centuries
b. Intellectual skills.
By the end of the module you should be able to:
● think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter
● identify and address key problems relevant to it
● be aware of differing historical interpretations of the subject matter
● read secondary sources critically
● construct coherent and independent historical arguments of your own
c. Professional/practical skills.
The module will develop your ability to:
● select, sift and synthesise information from a range of secondary sources
● identify and compare key arguments in those materials
● demonstrate appropriate footnoting and bibliographical skills
● use the University intranet to access the library catalogue
d. Transferable skills.
The module will also develop your ability to:
● manage a large and disparate body of information
● express yourself clearly, coherently and fluently in writing essays
● work and learn actively with others
● manage and take responsibility for your own learning
● use IT to word process your assessed essays