Course Catalogue

Thomas Paine as an Enlightenment Revolutionary (later 18th century and beyond) HIST5109

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course studies the career of Thomas Paine in America, Britain and France: his reputation as a radical reformer, his most important writings (1776-1797) and his impact, reputation and apparent marginalisation on both sides of the Atlantic. The course is designed to be sufficiently flexible to meet the specialist interests of individual students, whilst analysing three different cultural and political environments.

Timetable

10 weekly 2-hour tutorials

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

Excluded Courses

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ one essay of 3,500 words (70%)

■ one shorter seminar presentation report of 1,500 words (30%).

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (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 courses aims to:

■ introduce students to the study of the late Enlightenments;

■ examine the dissemination and reception of ideas through print (print history, review journals, newspapers and other forms of dissemination);

■ develop an understanding of the nature of 'public opinion' and public space in the late eighteenth century, especially in the three geographic areas where Paine worked (the American colonies, Britain and France);

■ develop bibliographical and analytical skills appropriate for detailed study of texts (including the OPTION to use French-language material where appropriate and possible);

■ develop students' skills in analysing popular and polemical writings.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ develop specialist knowledge and understanding of the big eighteenth-century revolutions, the Enlightenment culture which influenced the way they evolved;

■ develop a critical understanding of primary sources and secondary materials relevant to the defined historical problem;

■ evaluate alternative historical interpretations;

■ attain a level of expertise and knowledge which will enable further research at an advanced level.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions