AN22006BA, AN2201OMA, AN28007BA History of the British Isles
The course offers a broad historical survey of the British Isles from prehistory to World War I. The examined millennia witnessed extraordinary alliance, tensions and transformations both among the people populating the Isles and in its relationship with continental Europe and the wider world. The course aims to address the social and political developments that resulted from population movements (Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans), religious transformation (Reformation, Puritanism), wars (threat of Spanish and French absolutism and later Napoleon; Germany and allies in the 20th century), the rise of the empire and the industrial revolution. The three main attainment targets of the course are (1) knowledge and understanding of British history, (2) interpretations of British history, and (3) the use of historical sources. Each attainment target will involve considerations of change and continuity and causes and consequences.
Required reading: David McDowall, An Illustrated History of Britain (Longman, 1989/2008) (Available in the library and online.) and film: Elizabeth: The Golden Age (Shekhar Kapur, 1998), all others materials to be distributed by the instructor via Neptun, handouts will be given in a printed format.