Module Identifier | WH34230 | ||
Module Title | NATIONAL IDENTITIES IN THE BRITISH ISLES 1801-1914 | ||
Academic Year | 2000/2001 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr Paul O'Leary | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Mutually Exclusive | CF34220 , MW34220 , HC34230 | ||
Course delivery | Seminars / Tutorials | 10 Hours | |
Lecture | 18 Hours | ||
Assessment | Exam | 3 Hours | 60% |
Essay | 2 essays (1 x 4,000 words, 1 x 2,500 words) | 40% |
Module 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 identites; 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.
Learning outcomes
Students will have:
- command over a body of historical knowledge in the field of national identities in the British Isles following the Act of Union between Britain and Ireland in 1800 until the outbreak of the First World War.
- an understanding of a variety of approaches to the interpretation of national identity, concentrating in particular on constructions of Britishness and the 'subordinate' national identities of the British Isles in the nineteenth century.
- an ability to read, analyse and reflect critically on selected historical texts.
- an ability to develop and sustain historical arguments.
- an ability to gather and sift appropriate items of historical evidence.
- an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to participate in group discussions.
Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
Linda Colley.
Britons: Forging the Nation 1707-1837.
Keith Robbins.
Nineteenth Century Britain.