Roads to Modernity: An Introduction to Modern History 1750-1945 (Part 1)

Code

HIST1010

School

History

Level

1

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn 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

Only available to Exchange (mobility) students at Nottingham for the Autumn Semester, 1st-year History students transferring degree programme during the Session and subsidiary students. Students cannot take both HIST1010 and HIST1011. Students wishing to study both should instead enrol on the full-year version, HIST1009.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

One lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: One 3,000 word essay

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

a. 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 essay 

Conveners

• Dr David Laven