A series of major historical transformations took place in Britain between the end of the seventeenth century and the middle of the nineteenth century. Beginning with a political revolution, and ending with an industrial revolution, this era saw Britain develop into a global imperial and military power. At the same time, the nation was transformed by new forms of politics, culture and social life. This course examines these entangled historical processes, together with the experiences and responses of the people who lived through them.
The course helps participants to develop a critical and historical perspective on major issues that continue to shape our world: from globalization and capitalist development, to nationalism, democracy, and social conflict. It will encourage debate about the origins and character of early 'modernity' in Britain and its relationship to broader patterns of historical change.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- analyse the social, economic, cultural and political history of Britain and its emergence as a world power;
- evaluate important concepts in the study of change in modern societies;
- assess contemporary scholarship on British history; and
- construct sustained evidence-based arguments addressing key issues in British history.
Indicative Assessment
- Essay of 2000 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Take-home examination of 2000 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Oral and/or written contribution to class activities (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Student presentation
(10) [LO 1,2,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks, involving a combination of lectures and group discussions; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
All prescribed reading will be available on Wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8653 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |