Studying at York
Transforming Worlds: The Interdisciplinary Eighteenth Century - CES00007M
Module summary
The eighteenth century is a dynamic period of change in British culture and society, the long-term impact of which continues to be felt today. This module explores the breadth and complexity of this change through an interdisciplinary focus, combining approaches from literary study, history, art history, and archaeology to enrich and complicate students’ understanding of this period.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
The eighteenth century is characterised by revolutions in politics, society, thought, and culture that have had profound effects on the modern world. This module aims to introduce students to the major developments, cultural trends, and innovations in this era in areas such as print culture, fashion, empire and race, sociability, visual art, class and gender. It will provide a grounding for more specialised work in optional modules for the MA, introduce students to staff in the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies and their approach to eighteenth-century history and culture, as well as stimulating ideas and topics for the dissertation. We also aim to develop students’ skills in both digital and non-digital research by exploring the rich resources relating to the eighteenth century of both the University and the city of York itself, from the Borthwick Institute to York’s eighteenth-century Assembly Rooms.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
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Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with the field of eighteenth-century studies in key respects.
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Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with what is entailed in interdisciplinary studies in the humanities in relation to the eighteenth century and how it can be practiced.
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Evaluate key debates within the relevant critical fields dealing with the topics covered in the module such as literary study, history, art history, archaeology.
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Produce independent arguments and ideas which demonstrate an advanced proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Written feedback, given in Week 5 for original assessment, and within two weeks of submission for re-assessed work
Indicative reading
Indicative only: Dorinda Outram, The Enlightenment; Alexander Pope, The Rape of the Lock; Anne Lister, Diaries; Paul Langford, Eighteenth-Century Britain: A Short Introduction; Amanda Vickery, The Gentleman’s Daughter; Daniel Carey and Lynn Festa (eds.), The Postcolonial Enlightenment.