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Module Catalogue

HI312-30 Radicalism in the English Revolution, 1640-1660

Department
History
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Bernard Capp
Credit value
30
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This 30 CATS undergraduate final-year module explores the popular and radical dimensions of the civil wars and their aftermath. For the first time, ordinary people played an active and visible role in public affairs of national significance, initially through petitions, demonstrations, and riots. Subsequent topics include the issue of popular allegiance, and the impact of the wars on the civilian population.

Module web page

Module aims

The module's core lies in the emergence of radical movements, many of them religious in inspiration, mapping out competing models for a new religious, social and political order, among them the millenarian Fifth Monarchists, evangelical Quakers, proto-democratic Levellers, libertarian Ranters, and communist Diggers. The module also examines the most radical phase of mainstream politics - the trial and execution of the king, and establishment of a republic - and the controversial career of Oliver Cromwell, seen by the radicals as both hero and betrayer. There is also plentiful scope for assessed work on the pioneering role of radical women in this period, as petitioners, prophets and preachers.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

  • Topic 1: Reform, Agitation and Revolution, 1640-2
  • Topic 2: The Impact of War
  • Topic 3: Religious Radicalism in the 1640s
  • Topics 4 and 5: The Levellers and the Army
  • Topic 6: Winstanley and the Diggers
  • Topic 7: The Republic from the Execution of Charles I to the Protectorate
  • Topic 8: The Fifth Monarchy Men
  • Topic 9: The Quakers
  • Topic 10: Oliver Cromwell

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the popular and radical dimensions of the civil wars and their aftermath
  • Critically analyse and evaluate a broad range of primary sources written in unfamiliar language, and use skills of empathy to engage with views of the world far removed from our own
  • Effectively communicate ideas, and make informed, coherent and persuasive arguments, about the popular and radical dimensions of the civil wars and their aftermath
  • Critically review and consolidate theoretical, methodological, and historiographical ideas relating to the emergence of radical movements.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

See learning outcomes.

Transferable skills

See learning outcomes.

Study time

Type Required
Seminars 18 sessions of 2 hours (12%)
Tutorials 4 sessions of 1 hour (1%)
Private study 260 hours (87%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

History modules require students to undertake extensive independent research and reading to prepare for seminars and assessments. As a rough guide, students will be expected to read and prepare to comment on three substantial texts (articles or book chapters) for each seminar taking approximately 3 hours. Each assessment requires independent research, reading around 6-10 texts and writing and presenting the outcomes of this preparation in an essay, review, presentation or other related task.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Seminar contribution 10% No
Reassessment component
1000 word reflection Yes (extension)
Assessment component
1500 word essay 10% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
3000 word source based essay 40% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
3000 word essay 40% Yes (extension)
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Written feedback provided via Tabula; optional oral feedback in office hours.

Courses

This module is Option list A for:

  • Year 4 of UITA-R3V2 Undergraduate History and Italian

This module is Option list B for:

  • Year 3 of UHIA-V100 Undergraduate History
  • Year 4 of UHIA-V101 Undergraduate History (with Year Abroad)