To encourage postgraduates to reflect on how revolution and social change within the British, European and colonial North American economies between 1688 and 1840 impacted upon changing lifestyles, political discourse, protest and the material world;

To enable students to analyse the interconnectedness of ideas and the notion of change in North American and European societies within a world context;

To consolidate the critical, research, writing and presentational skills appropriate to higher-level study in the relevant disciplines.

(LO1) A systematic knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of key themes and approaches in the study of revolution and change within a global context during the long eighteenth century (1688-1840)

(LO2) An ability to engage with current historiographical and theoretical debates in 18th-century studies appropriate to MA level in an informed, analytical and critical manner. 

(LO3) An ability to interpret and evaluate a range of sources (historical, literary and visual) for the period 1688-1840 critically and empathetically, while addressing questions of content, genre, authorship and audience

(LO4) The acquisition of practical academic skills, demonstrated through task-based activities including compiling a bibliography, writing and discussing essays, adopting correct citation practice, leading workshops and giving oral presentations

(LO5) The acquisition of research-related skills such as literature searches, formulating and evaluating research questions and strategies, the ability to gather, select and organize large quantities of evidence and the critical reading of texts.

(LO6) An ability to develop arguments that systematically and creatively organize, synthesize and present clearly large bodies of historical and literary material in written and oral form.

(S1) Good time-keeping and willingness to take responsibility

(S2) Team-work, respect for others' reasoned views, flexibility and adaptability

(S3) Gathering, analysing and organising information

(S4) Listening, questioning and creative thinking

(S5) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of oral expression

(S6) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of written expression

(S7) Application of information technology

(S8) Positive attitude, appropriate assertiveness, initiative and self-direction

(S9) Planning and organisational skills

(S10) Understanding, intellectual integrity and being sensitive to other cultures

(S11) Empathy and imaginative insight

Topics covered during this module may include:

Introduction: The discovery of the future;

Revolutionary politics 1: Atlantic radicalism and the American revolution;

Revolutionary Politics 2: The French revolution and its repercussions in the colonies;

Revolutionary Politics 3: Men, women and ideas: The origins of modern feminism;

Producing social change 1: The fiscal-military state and industrial revolution;

Liberty, nation and gender identity: The birth of new nations from revolution and war;

Europe and beyond 1: Literary orientalism;

Producing social change 2: Consumer revolutions;

Consuming the world: The material and moral implications of the Atlantic slave trade;

Europe and beyond 2: Science and economic progress – a great divergence?

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Seminar:
The module is delivered in weekly two-hour seminars, based on set primary and secondary readings. The module is multi-disciplinary and draws on a range of different kinds of sources; each seminar is designed and led by a subject specialist, who is assisted by another member of staff, so that continuity and dialogue are embedded in the operation of the module. 15-minute student presentations (assessed) lead off the seminar discussions. Guidance on presentation skills is provided, and each student is given at least two opportunities to present, with feedback from both tutors and the student peer group. The 2000-word commentary allows students to develop further their thoughts on one of the seminar texts and practise close reading and expressing their analysis in writing.

At the end of the module a longer presentation (20 minutes, summatively assessed) is made reflecting their preparation for the writing of the dissertation Feasibility Study. Students receive individual guidance on dissertation preparation from identified supervisors, and they have the opportunity to present their work in progress and gain feedback during a weekend workshop (attended by PGR and PGT students) at the end of tutorial week.