Studying at York
Introduction to Modern British History: 1700s to the 21st Century - CED00169C
- Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module summary
This module provides a general introduction to the history of modern Britain, from around 1700 to the present day. It will trace the development of Britain through urbanization, industrialisation, empire, world war and reform. The module proceeds on a broad chronological basis, but this is not a simple narrative of political events. This module challenges students to understand Britain’s history through an economic, social, cultural, and geopolitical lens. In doing so, it aims to unsettle assumptions about how modern Britain as a nation-state came into being.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
The module aims to provide a broad introduction to the subject and the historical ‘Journey of Britain’ from the start of its modern Industrial Age in the 1700s, to the present day. It is aimed at students who have not studied the subject for a while and who wish to improve their knowledge of the history of Britain, and for those students who may wish to study history further at degree level. Students will develop a broad knowledge of key historical events and their causes and consequences. Students will develop and awareness of how Britain was shaped by economic, political, religious and social forces that made Britain the country it is, in the early 21st century. Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to discuss and debate historical events and issues that shaped Britain, which in turn, influenced Europe and the wider world.
Module learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- To develop knowledge and understanding of the module content - the historical periods events, their causes and consequences
- Develop chronological awareness and the interrelation of historical periods
- Research skills and the relevance and organisation of historical information
- Develop skills of utilising, interpreting and analysing historical evidence, information and data
- Compare and contrast historical evidence; critically evaluate arguments and evidence
- Be able to write historical reports and essays
- Study independently and become an effective self-directed learner
- Study and collaborate as part of a group
- Interpret, analyse, organise and present information in an informative and meaningful way, both orally and in writing
- Develop the skill of academic writing with an awareness of UK academic conventions in readiness for undergraduate study.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.
The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.
Indicative reading
- Marr, M. (2017) A History of Modern Britain, London, Macmillan
- Schama, S. (2009) A History of Britain: The Fate of Empire 1765-2000, London, The Bodley Head
- Wasson, E. (2016) A History of Modern Britain: 1714 to the Present Blackwell Publishers Ltd.