Course Description: In exploring the Hanoverian and early Victorian periods of English history, this course focuses on the conventions that have shaped the recording of that history as well as on ‘the facts of the past.’ The lecture component of the class will provide a continuous narrative though English history between 1714 and 1870, covering the major political, economic, and social events within that period. The readings will in some ways complement this narrative, and in other ways complicate it. Conventional markers of historical transition may be called into question depending on whether politics, gender, or class is placed in the center of analysis. By the same token political history has quite different concerns from social history, or from narratives that draw heavily on economics. The readings for this course have been selected to expose students to a range of styles for writing history, and through a careful close reading of these works students will develop a critical eye for how meanings are shaped by the ways in which histories are written (or recorded). In this way we will not only be gaining a familiarity with the events of English history, but also a better understanding of how and why historical narratives are constructed the way they are. Course Requirements: Students are required to take two in-class examinations and complete three written précis of between four and six pages (described below). Students are also required to attend and participate in class discussions. Percentages for each of these areas as a total of the student’s final grade are given below. Grades are based on the student’s ability to master the material presented in the assigned readings and classroom lectures. Plagiarism and other forms of cheating will be reported to the administration. For the rules governing academic honesty, see the section titled “Academic Honor Code” in the Student Handbook or online at: http://www.fsu.edu/~union/honor.htm. Required Books:
Reserve Supplemental Grading: Grade Scale: Attendance and Discussion Participation: Attendance will be taken on discussion and film days, and student participation levels will be recorded at each discussion. Students should come to class prepared to contribute their questions and observations to sustain the discussion, and to volunteer their ideas if called on. Attendance may on occasion be taken at other class meetings. Précis: Three précis will be written during the semester for the required readings. These papers should each be between four and six pages in length, and address the criteria listed below. They should indicate not only that students have read and understood the assigned work, but that they are beginning to think critically about its contents, and how it relates to the field of English history as a whole. The due date for each paper will be on the day that that work is being discussed in class (see class schedule below). Work turned in late will be marked down one letter grade for each week that passes after the deadline. 1) Historical problem (or problems) addressed in the
work
Mid-term and Final Exam: The mid-term and final exam will be based on IDs and a choice of essay question. IDs will be drawn from the Key Terms given with each lecture, and should be identified according to the standard “who/what, when, where, why significant” formula. Essay questions will require students to relate broad themes across several lectures or readings. Medical or other similar emergencies are the only valid excuse for requesting the postponement of an exam. Students with Disabilities: Students with
disabilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990 Title II must follow these steps: Week
One Wednesday, January 7 – Introductory Meeting Friday, January 9 – English Social Structure in the 18th Century Week
Two Monday, January 12 – English Political Structure in the 18th Century Wednesday, January 14 – From the Glorious Revolution to the Hanoverian Succession Friday, January 16 – New Social Spaces in the Eighteenth Century Week
Three Monday, January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No Class Meeting Wednesday, January 21 – The Hanoverians and Walpole Friday, January 23 – Discussion: Brewer and Colley – all chapters assigned through week three Week
Four Monday, January 26 – Origins of Collective Responsibility Wednesday, January 28 – Reason and Religious Enthusiasm Friday, January 30 – Rivalry between Britain & France Week
Five Monday, February 2 – The Scottish Enlightenment and Scottish Identity Wednesday, February 4 – Conditions in Ireland in the 18th Century Friday, February 6 – British Involvement in India to 1784 Week
Six Monday, February 9 – English Radicalism and the American Revolution Wednesday, February 11 – The Industrial Revolution Friday, February 13 – Discussion: Colley and Brewer First Paper Due – Comparative Analysis of Brewer and Colley Week
Seven Monday, February 16 – The French Revolution: Part I – Military Wednesday, February 18 – The French Revolution: Part II – Domestic Friday, February 20 – Documentary: George III: Mad or Maligned? And Edmund Burke online selection (both readings for Monday, February 23 discussion) Week
Eight Monday, February 23 – Discussion: Industrial Revolution and French Revolution Wednesday, February 25 – Discussion: What Constitutes Good Analysis? Friday, February 27 – Mid-term Exam Week
Nine Monday, March 1 – Women’s Roles in Society Wednesday, March 3 – Evolution of Respectable Masculinity Friday,
March 5 – Discussion of first half of Anna
Clark Week Ten: Spring Break – No ClassesWeek
Eleven Monday, March 15 – Reaction and Radicalism: 1815-1827 Wednesday, March 17 – Evolution of Law Enforcement and Policing Friday, March 19 – Discussion: Struggle for the Breeches – Second Paper Due - Week
Twelve Monday, March 22 – The Great Reform Act of 1832 and After Wednesday, March 24 – Empire and the End of the Slave Trade Friday, March 26 – Discussion: First Chapters of James Vernon Week
Thirteen Monday, March 29 – Towards a Working-Class Politics Wednesday,
March 31 – Documentary: Simon Schama, A History of Friday, April 2 – Robert Peel and the Rise of Free Trade Week
Fourteen Monday, April 5 – Ireland in the Nineteenth Century Wednesday, April 7 – Geology, Darwin, and Middle Class Belief Friday, April 9 – Progress and Prosperity in Victorian Britain and selections from Henry Mayhew (have read for Friday’s class) Week
Fifteen Monday, April 12 – Britain’s Foreign Policy: 1815 to 1870 Wednesday, April 14 – The British Indian Empire Friday, April 16 – Discussion: Victorian Frame of Mind – Third Paper Due – Week
Sixteen Monday, April 19 – Mid-Victorian Politics: 1846-65 Wednesday, April 21 – Ending in 1870 Friday,
April 23 – Discussion: Second half of
Final
Exam: Back to the topic home page
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