Course Catalogue

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From 1789 to 1989 many European nations underwent moments of dramatic transformation, where society and politics were changed in an instant. But what counts as a 'revolution', how do they come about and what difference do they make? Taking a comparative approach, this course tries to answer these questions by focusing on four very different 'revolutionary moments' over this 200-year period: The French Revolution (1789), The Russian Revolution (1917), the Year of Protest (1968), and the overthrow of Communism in Eastern Europe (1989). Through a combination of lectures and seminar-based discussion activities, readings and source-based analyses, students will have the opportunity to learn about the causes of each revolution, as well as consider broader questions on the fundamental nature of revolutionary action and its legacy. 

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

For timetable details, please see our web pages University of Glasgow - Study - Short courses

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The following courses contain some similar content so any student submitting for assessment on both courses should be cautious to avoid self-plagiarism, i.e., not submit the same content for assessment again. This course takes a uniquely comparative approach, so the learning gained on the following courses is complementary rather than overlapping.

ADED11699E The 1989 European revolutions

ADED11557The Russian Revolution

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One 1500-word essay, responding to range of questions comparing revolutions based on key concepts studied on the course and drawing on a range of primary sources and secondary reading. (75% of final grade)

One 750-word primary source analysis where students analyse contemporary primary materials and explain their social and political significance to one of the revolutions covered by the course (25% of final grade)

This course aims to

■ Explain the key actors, structures, causes and consequences of the revolutions under investigation from 1789 to 1989.

■ Introduce key political concepts and theories concerning the nature of revolution and why/how they take place.

■ Provide an opportunity for students to engage with both primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations relevant to these events.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify some of the key actors, structures, causes and consequences of the revolutions under investigation from 1789 to 1989

■ Apply some of the key political concepts and theories concerning the nature of revolution to compare these historical events.

■ Analyse and evaluate some primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations relevant to these events.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.