The Modern World

About this course

The course surveys modern history chronologically and thematically, covering the emergence of the modern world, capitalism and globalisation, labour and migration, nationalism, imperialism, science, faith and culture, the World Wars, revolution, democracy, the Holocaust and the post-war international order. Lectures introduce the historical framework, while seminars examine relevant primary sources and key texts. Assessment consists of a primary source analysis, a summary of modern scholarship and a longer essay, requiring learners to work with evidence and historical interpretation.

What you'll learn

• Describe major developments in British, European and global history from the late eighteenth century to the present.
• Analyse primary sources in relation to modern historical themes.
• Summarise arguments from modern historical scholarship.
• Construct a longer essay using historical evidence and interpretation.

Is this course right for you?

Listed at All Levels, the course aims to provide a basic grounding in modern history rather than focusing on a narrowly defined period. Participation combines lecture attendance with seminar discussion and written academic assessment.

• Suitable for learners seeking a broad chronological and thematic survey.
• Includes three assessed pieces of academic writing.
• Can be taken as a standalone short course or as part of a Certificate of Higher Education.