Module Identifier MW34220  
Module Title NATIONAL IDENTITIES IN THE BRITISH ISLES 1801-1914  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Paul O'Leary  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Mutually Exclusive WH34230 , HC34230 , CF34220  
Course delivery Lecture   18 Hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   10 Hours  
Assessment Essay   2 essays 2,500 words each   40%  
  Exam   2 Hours   60%  

Learning outcomes


On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) Demonstrate familiarity with a substantial body of historical knowledge relating to the formation of national identities in Britain and Ireland in the period 1800-1914.
b) Reflect critically on the formation of national identities in the four nations of the British Isles and their relationship to an overarching British identity.
c) Demonstrate familiarity with a wide range of historical techniques relevant to the study of national identities in the past
d) Gather and sift appropriate items of historical evidence
e) Read, analyse and reflect critically on secondary texts.
f) Develop the ability to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of particular historical arguments and where necessary challenge them.
g) Develop oral (not assessed) and written skills which will have been improved through seminar discussions and essays
h) Work both independently and collaboratively, and to participate in group discussions (not assessed).

Brief description


This module will examine the creation and development of national identities in the British Isles following the Union of Britain and Ireland in 1801. It will draw upon the theoretical work on the construction of 'imagined communities' to inform the discussion of specific themes. Among these themes will be the creation of a British identity and the tensions caused by competing identities; the generation of new 'traditions'; war and popular imperialism; attitudes to out-groups and gender; and the mobilisation of national allegiances in leisure activities, especially sport. The recent debate on the nature of 'British history' will also be discussed.


Reading Lists

  1. Recommended Text

    2. Britons: Forging the Nation 1707-1837 - Linda Colley
    Nineteenth Century Britain - Keith Robbins