History 1B: The Disruption of the "Modern" HIST1030
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Humanities
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course examines major historical processes on a global scale, paying attention to contestations and disruptions in the modern era. Reflecting the latest historical research, sample topics include early modern empires; race and migration; industrialisation and the environment; and gender and kinship. Core skills in analysing sources and making effective arguments will be developed through seminars centred on group discussion of primary sources. Topical units will highlight historical contestation and silences in the archives while introducing approaches such as public history and personal testimony.
Timetable
Three lectures per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10-11am or 4-5pm
Six one-hour seminars (choice of times on MyCampus)
Requirements of Entry
None
Excluded Courses
HIST1020 History 1B: A Medieval Mosaic
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Essay (1800 words) 60%
■ Source analyses (2 x 600 words) 40%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the essay or source analyses, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Explore key topics in modern history with global scope, shaped by recent research developments, the teaching team's special expertise and resources from UoG archives and museums.
■ Encourage an awareness of historical contestation and silences in the archives and introduce approaches such as public history and personal testimony.
■ Continue to support students in transitioning from school to Honours study and enhance employability by developing core skills in library research, source analysis, ethical use of technology, persuasive communications and time management through independent work and collaborative discussion.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Contextualise, critically assess and synthesise primary and secondary sources to address questions in modern history, showing an awareness of debate in historical interpretation.
■ Find, select and accurately cite appropriate primary and secondary sources, including texts, images and artefacts.
■ Formulate fluent, well-evidenced and convincing historical arguments.
■ Reflect on the process of historical research and academic writing, including ethical use of technology.
■ Manage seminar preparation and assessment tasks to deadlines (subject to extenuating circumstances and disability provisions).