131-233 Civil War and Revolution in Britain

Formerly available as 131-006. Students who have completed 131-006 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first year history, see Prerequisites.

This subject examines the causes, consequences and repercussions of the civil war period in seventeenth-century Britain, and investigates why men and women from all levels of society in England, as well as Scotland and Ireland took up arms against each other in the name of radical religion, politics, and individual rights. Major themes to be explored include gender and violence, piety, politics and popular culture, migration and the colonization of America, as well as power and the reformation of the institutions of monarchy, parliament, and the law.

• 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;

• 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.

Written analysis of a series of documentary extracts of 1500 words 35% (due mid-semester) and a research essay of 2500 words 65% (due end of semester)