131-103 Age of Revolution: American Revolution

Formerly available as 131-001. Students who have completed 131-001 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. It is recommended but not compulsory that this subject be taken in conjunction with 131-153 Age of Revolution: French Revolution.

In the last third of the 18th century, much of the Western world experienced unprecedented change. This 'Age of Revolutions' was a key turning-point in Western, even world, history. One of the most spectacular examples of this upheaval occurred in the 13 British colonies along the eastern coast of North America. This subject is a study of the origins and nature of the American Revolution and its outcomes. Was it a revolution or only a war of independence? What was its impact on American Indians, slaves and women? Students should complete the subject with a grasp of the general origins of the American Revolutions of the late 18th century and an ability to make critical judgements about major historical approaches to the American Revolution.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• be able to think in theoretical terms through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engage in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• demonstrate written communication through essay preparation and writing.

An exercise of 500 words 10% (due early in the semester), a research essay of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester), a review essay of 2000 words 40% (due during the examination period) and tutorial participation throughout the semester 10%.