Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module HIST2011: COAL, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: SOCIETY IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND 1500-1800

Department: HISTORY

HIST2011: COAL, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: SOCIETY IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND 1500-1800

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap 50 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module studies the ways in which, between 1500 and 1800, the north-east of England was transformed from a 'neo-feudal' agrarian society into a 'modern' industrial society, by political and religious developments, industrialisation and agricultural change.
  • The module will explore the relationship of economic and social change, and address the impact of religious change and political conflict.

Content

  • This module studies the ways in which, between 1500 and 1800, the north east of England was transformed from a 'neo-feudal' agrarian society into a 'modern' industrial society, by political and religious developments, industrialisation and agricultural change.
  • The module will explore the relationship of economic and social change, and address the impact of religious developments and political conflict.
  • the relationship of regional developments to the national picture, and explore the changing nature of regional culture between the medieval and modern periods.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will have a detailed knowledge of the history of north-east England between 1500 and 1800.
  • Students should understand the inter-relationship of national and regional politics, religious belief, social stratification, and economic change.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Subject specific skills for this module can be viewed at: http://www.dur.ac.uk/History/ugrads/ModuleProformaMap/;
  • In addition students should be able to assess the nature of regional society, and its relationship to national developments, as well as the reasons for social change within the region during the period 1500-1800.
Key Skills:
  • 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

  • The teaching on this module is primarily by means of lectures and seminars.
  • The lectures provide a clear framework for studying regional history.
  • conveying the traditional narratives of historical development in the region and how these might be critiqued in the light of recent historiographical debate.
  • The seminars will provide a forum for students to reflect on the nature of existing interpretations, and to consider the relationship of regional developments to the national picture.
  • Reading for the seminars will introduce students to wider historiographical debate on British history in the period, as well as to interpretations of regional society in north-east England.
  • The seminar presentation (formatively assessed in its written version) provides an opportunity to consider the evidence of documentary sources for one of the major developments during the period (eg.
  • Reformation.
  • Rebellion.
  • Religious Conflict.
  • Civil War.
  • Popular Politics.
  • Trade and Consumerism).
  • The two termly essays (formatively and summatively assessed) on defined topics of regional society, will test students understanding of historiographical debate and the history of north-east England, including an appreciation of the evidence of primary sources.
  • The exam questions will by answered from knowledge accrued during seminars and essay reading, to test knowledge and understanding of the secondary literature and historiographical debate.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 19 Weekly in Terms 1 & 2 1 hour 19
Seminars 6 6 - 3 in Term one, 2 in Term two, 1 normally in Term three (revision) 1 hour 6
Preparation and Reading 175
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essays Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
essay 1, not including footnotes and bibliography 2000 words max 50%
essay 2, not including footnotes and bibliography 2000 words max 50%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
unseen examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

One or more short assignments submitted in writing or delivered orally and discussed either 1:1 or in a group context.


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