Survey of British History (3) The British Isles and their peoples since the ancient period, emphasizing political, cultural, and intellectual developments and imperial rise and fall.
HIST 066 Survey of British History (3)
The Survey of British History is composed of five units of study that chronicle the creation and development of Great Britain. The course’s chronological design should help students trace the trajectory of Britain’s improbable rise to and fall from dominant imperial power. This design is also adopted so as to lead students to identify recurring trends and notable anomalies in how Britain developed. Prioritizing students’ ability to identify and evaluate the impact of historical events, this course examines the interconnections between Britain’s economic, political, cultural, and religious histories, showing how changes in the economy, for example, allowed for the rise of new art forms or how changes in religious ideals influenced the population’s vision of their leaders. Britain’s impact on other nations is a corollary emphasis of this course, one justified by the knowledge that recognizing the past’s ongoing legacy makes the study of history vital.
Each unit of study will be accompanied by the analysis of multiple “objects” of British history, such as the Domesday Book, the Magna Carta, and the Rosetta Stone. Leading students in discussions of the creation and reception of these objects will supplement class lectures. Such discussions should press students to apply their readings and understandings of class lectures, leading them to ask, for instance, how the Roman Baths showcased the Roman’s economic and military strength as well as reflected their plans for British lands and peoples.
Grades in History 066 will be determined four quizzes and three writing assignments. The quizzes will consist of identification and short essay questions based on the readings and lectures, thus testing students’ understanding of the material presented. The first two writing assignments will ask students to outline two assigned books concerning British history; books that have been used in the past include one concerning the development of London and another exploring the impact of Darwin’s ideas on the British nation. These assignments will introduce students to two different types of historical monographs as well as develop their skills in identifying main points and prioritizing evidence. The final writing assignment will ask students to research another “object” of British history and explain how it reflects significant events in British history and/or British ideals. Giving students the opportunity to deal with a type of “primary document,” this paper assignment is designed to introduce students to a type of historical research, to test students’ ability to synthesize information, and to develop their ability to construct an argument about the significance of an object based on their knowledge and understanding of major developments within British history.
General Education: GH
Bachelor of Arts: None
Effective: Summer 2012
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.