Module Identifier HY10510  
Module Title THE VITAL CENTURY:BRITISH ECONOMIC AND SOC HIST C.1770-1870  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Alice Russell  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   10 Hours  
  Seminar   5 Hours  
Assessment Essay   1 x 2,500 word essay   30%  
  Exam   2 Hours   70%  

Learning outcomes


On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) Identify and explain the key historiographical debates concerning British industrialization
b) Demonstrate their knowledge of British economic and social change, 1770-1870
c) Reflect critically on evolving patterns of economic and social development
d) Analyse and evaluate a range of primary sources related to perceived social and economic problems
e) Gather and sift appropriate items of historical evidence
f) Develop and sustain historical arguments – in both oral (not assessed) and written work
g) Work both independently and collaboratively whilst being able to participate in group discussions (not assessed).

Brief description


This is a foundation course in British economic and social history. It gives the basic outlines of economic and social change during the period of rapid and sustained industrialization. The main themes include: general characteristics of economy and society on the eve of industrialization; change in the agricultural sector; the emergence and location of manufacturing industry; population growth and migration; the role of labour: supply and demand; technological advance and its implications; laissez-faire and free trade; transport and the appearance of the railways; urbanization and its social consequences; society and popular culture; the move from cottage work to factory employment; the emergence of the working class.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
T. May. (1993) An Economic and Social History of Britain 1760-1970. Longman
P. Mathias. (1992) The First Industrial Nation. Methuen