HS2P66-Period in Modern History: Imperial Britain, 1815-1982
Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Professor
PV
Murphy
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: HS2K66
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9
Email: p.v.murphy@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
Periods involve the study of substantial chronological periods. They aim to acquaint students with the causes and consequences of continuity and change over the long term in the political, social, economic and cultural systems under study. Periods are distinguished as Medieval, Early Modern or Modern. This particular period in Modern history investigates the evolving nature of the British empire in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student's effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and databases.
Outline content:
This module offers a broad survey of 19th and 10th-centuiry British history viewed in the context of her global Empire. It seeks to explore the extent to which the existence of that Empire shaped British national identify, the domestic economy, class and gender relations, and British military and strategic priorities. It also considers how Britain adapted to the loss of Empire in the 20th century. Among the specific themes considered are the following: Finance, industry and empire - the historical debate about Cain and Hopkins's notion of Gentlemanly Capitalism; racial and national identity and the creation of colonial 'others'; British language and culture and the historical debate about 'Orientalism',; gender and sexuality in a colonial context; religion - missionary expansion and domestic crisis; the 'New Imperialism' of the late-Victorian era; colonial 'collaboration' and resistance; sport and Empire; emigration and immigration; imperial defence in the 20th century; losing an empire and finding a role - Britain after 1945.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Seminars, requiring preparatory reading and investigation, may include informal and interactive presentations by the module teacher; structured group discussion; short seminar papers by students; occasional tutorials; team-based simulation exercises and debates; examination of primary and secondary sources. Students are expected to carry out self-directed revision in the Summer term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary
Contact hours:
| Autumn or Spring | Summer | ||
| Lectures | |||
| Tutorials/seminars | 30 | ||
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | |||
| Total hours | 30 | ||
| Number of essays or assignments | 1 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) | see above |
Assessment:
Coursework
Students will be required to write one essay of 2,500 words.
Relative percentage of coursework: 33%
Penalties for late submission
Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations
One two-hour paper requiring twoanswers to be taken at the time of the Part 2 examinations.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September.