Module HIST3371: APPROACHING DEMOCRACY: BRITISH POLITICAL CULTURE, 1815-1900

Department: HISTORY

HIST3371: APPROACHING DEMOCRACY: BRITISH POLITICAL CULTURE, 1815-1900

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To enable students to develop an understanding of the 'political culture' of Britain from 1815-1900.
• To encourage students to probe the changing ideas, experiences and behaviour of political actors in Britain, including both 'high' and 'popular' politics.

Content

• British political life was transformed between 1815 and 1900.
• From an essentially eighteenth-century system, dominated by an aristocratic elite and a narrow franchise, by the end of the century aristocratic power was declining, and mass parties had arrived.
• If not yet a 'democracy' the country was edging towards one.
• This module examines the causes and consequences of these shifts by focusing on both elite and popular politics in tandem.
• Topics to be explored will include the nature of representative government, the relationship between the state and the locality, the scope of public opinion and popular politics, the importance of political ideas, and the governance of empire.
• In sum the course allows us to go beyond the familiar political narrative, and to assess the complexities of political culture as a whole.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and understanding of the 'political culture' of Britain between 1815-1900.
• Understanding of aspects of the changing historiography of and conceptual approaches to nineteenth-century British political life.

• Subject specific skills for this module can be viewed at:
• http://www.dur.ac.uk/History/ugrads/ModuleProformaMap/;
• In addition students will acquire the ability to construct analytical and sophisticated arguments on key historical issues relating to the subject.

• Key skills for this module can be viewed at:
• http://www.dur.ac.uk/History/ugrads/ModuleProformaMap/

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures will introduce students to the central themes of the module.
• Where appropriate this will include an overview of relevant events and issues to introduce the field, but lectures will also act as a forum to discuss particular historiographies, conceptual approaches and, where necessary, primary sources.
• Seminars enable smaller groups of students to examine the central themes and interpretations of the module in greater depth, and to debate their views with their peers.
• The formative element of the presentation encourages conceptual thought, and an ability to sharpen critical ability through questions and answers.
• One summative essay in each term will require students to present a longer structured argument on a chosen topic, and using the relevant historiography in a critical manner.
• Tutorials will provide opportunities to discuss students' written, provide guidance for developing essays skills, and for honing conceptual insight.
• Essay questions in the final examination test the student's knowledge and understanding of nineteenth century British political culture, their appreciation of historical explanation and analysis, and their attainment of the generic learning outcomes for a level 3 module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Coursework essays are formative as well as summative. They are to be submitted in two copies, of which one will be returned with written comments and a standard departmental feedback sheet. Preparation to participate in seminars and tutorials. At least one oral presentation or short written assignment.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University