Unit rationale, description and aim
A deep understanding of the history of the western intellectual tradition is necessary to comprehend the patterns of thought that define the contemporary western world, especially at a time when the ideas of democracy, the rule of law, the scientific method, freedom of speech and religion, and the rights and dignity of the individual are being called into question. Britain was one of the most important forces that shaped the modern West, and understanding its contribution to these formative ideas is essential.
This unit explores the intellectual history of the British Isles from the Middle Ages to the formation of Great Britain and its empire in the early eighteenth century. It focuses on the ways in which the British Isles would contribute to the shaping of western modernity from ideas of rights and citizenship, constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, commerce, religious toleration, experimental natural philosophy, the English language, and the British Empire.
The aim of this unit is to develop the student’s capacity to understand and analyse the intellectual history of Britain from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment and its legacy in shaping some of the key historical ideas and institutions of the modern West.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Discuss the contours of the intellectual, politica...
Learning Outcome 01
Analyse central scholarly debates surrounding the ...
Learning Outcome 02
Develop a scholarly argument grounded on research ...
Learning Outcome 03
Communicate in clearly written scholarly prose whi...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics may include:
- Medieval political thought: Magna Carta and the origins of parliament
- Society, culture and politics in the English Renaissance
- The English Reformation
- The literary and political culture of the English Revolution
- The Restoration
- Religious dissent
- Education, reading, and the print revolution
- The Church of England and religious toleration
- The Glorious Revolution and constitutional monarchy
- Experimental natural philosophy
- Hobbes and Locke
- John Locke’s political philosophy
- Debates about women’s equality
- The three kingdoms and the emergence of Britain
- The origins of the British Empire in the Atlantic world
- Britain and Europe
- The English language: transformations
- The Development of English Law
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment task 1 is an oral presentation requiring students to analyse a primary historical text or case study from Britain (c.1200–c.1700) to explore its intellectual, political, religious, or social significance. Students are encouraged to engage with canonical and non-canonical texts. It requires students to articulate and defend a scholarly argument, grounded in primary and secondary sources, addressing key debates about Britain’s contributions to the modern West (LO1 LO2 LO3). The written component involves critical interpretation and reflection to further develop this argument emphasizing the text or case study’s historical context and impact(LO4).
Assessment task 2 is a research essay requiring students to engage in contemporary scholarly debates about Britain’s role in shaping the modern West. The essay requires a sophisticated, evidence-based argument supported by diverse primary and secondary sources (LO2, LO3, LO4), situating the argument within key scholarly debates and the broader intellectual, political, or social history of Britain. This assessment hones students’ historical scholarship skills, emphasizing critical interpretation, reflection, and clear communication of complex ideas within the medieval and early modern context. Students are encouraged to engage with canonical and non-canonical texts, and to make use of extensive resources available in digitised repositories.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Oral and written component A....
Assessment Task 1: Oral and written component
A. Oral Presentation – Secure Assessment
The oral presentation requires students to articulate and defend a scholarly argument, grounded in primary and secondary sources, addressing key debates about Britain’s contributions to the modern West (LO1 and LO2).
B. Written component: a short essay Open assessment
The written component involves critical interpretation and reflection to develop this argument emphasizing the text or
case study’s historical context and impact.’’ (LO3, LO4)
25%
25%
Assessment Task 2: Research Essay - Open Assessme...
Assessment Task 2: Research Essay - Open Assessment
The research essay requires students to analyse primary sources to engage in contemporary scholarly debates about Britain’s role in shaping the modern West. Students must submit a research proposal to the LIC in advance of the deadline, to present their ideas in formation for feedback,
and to secure the integrity of the assessment.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered in small seminars taught in the Socratic style, in which students are encouraged to discuss their own ideas about the readings. The seminar discussions will centre around thematic topics, with assigned readings comprising both primary historical sources as well as secondary scholarship. The learning and teaching strategies include a range of approaches to support learning such as the close reading of particular passages in the seminars, reflection on the broader significance of the historical topic studied and discussion of relevant methodological and historiographical issues.
To achieve a passing standard in this unit, it students are required to achieve a final grade of 50% or more to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes.