University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: See http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/infoug/ugtimetable

In the seventeenth century, the British Isles witnessed widespread instability with two monarchs being overthrown; one executed, and one sent into exile after only three years on the throne. Abhorrent policies including novel forms of taxation and unpopular foreign warfare, implemented by court favourites and flawed monarchs all contributed to the breakdown of government. Religious tensions between groups with widely differing visions of the church further fuelled conflict, as did competing ideologies of government. The Stuart century also included some novel experiences, such as the first period of religious toleration in the 1650s and the growth of party culture and the 'public sphere' from the 1670s onwards. This module examines these developments, evaluating competing explanations for the Civil Wars of the 1640s and Revolution of 1688, using a variety of historical approaches and some contemporary documents. As the module includes awareness of British and Irish as well as English history, it complements and provides context for the latter part of module MO3166 which focuses more sharply on debates on British union.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass at least 60 credits from {MO1007, MO1008, MO2008, HI2001, MH2002}

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take MO3045

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 60%

Re-assessment: 4,000 - to 5,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel