Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit charts Britain's transformation from the 'Glorious Revolution' to the Industrial Revolution. It examines the key developments that shaped Britain from political reform and constitutional union in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries to industrial powerhouse in the nineteenth century. Throughout, special attention is given to the social consequences of economic expansion and how people experienced these. Students critically assess a wide range of primary and secondary sources in order to uncover the creation of Britain as a political entity and to assess how far, and why, she was altered by massive economic and demographic change. They explore the origins of political union between Scotland and England; the extent to which a common British identity emerged in the eighteenth century; developments in leisure, sport and coffee-house culture; sex and the Victorians; masculinity and gender ideals; Victorian values; the British Empire; the struggle for political reform; and the challenge to British industrial supremacy in the late nineteenth century.

The unit has three main aims—firstly, to examine how far, and in what ways, people's day-to-day lives and identities changed; secondly, to analyse the reasons behind Britain's transformation; and thirdly, to examine the economic, social and political consequences of economic take-off.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1AlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the History major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe and assess the basic historiographical issues characteristic of the discipline of History; (2) identify and evaluate the historiographical approaches appropriate for the study of British history; (3) demonstrate a detailed understanding of economic, social and political change in Britain between 1688 and 1888; (4) locate appropriate sources for research essays; and (5) present arguments in both written and oral assessments using the conventions of the historical discipline.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) workshop participation; (2) major research essay; and (3) reflective essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor David Barrie
Unit rules
Prerequisites
a Level 1 History unit
or EURO1101 Europe Now: Cultures and Identities
or GEND1901 Gender in Australia
Incompatibility
HIST2244 Britain 1750–1900: the First Industrial Nation.
HIST3344 Britain 1750–1900: the First Industrial Nation
Contact hours
Two-hour weekly workshops and one-hour weekly recorded lectures over twelve weeks.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.