This source-based class challenges participants to consider the background, causes, and content of the American Revolution from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean from the Stamp Act debates to the establishing of the Federal Constitution. Students will be asked to digest primary documents from political speeches in the British Parliament, to American political pamphlets. Students will consider the character and place of the American Revolution within European and American economic, political, and cultural development. The course will examine the conditions under which American Revolution emerged; the part played by empire, and the distinctive combination of ideological and theological strands that produced a compelling challenge to British Parliamentary authority for the first time.
Total contact hours: 30
Total private study hours: 270
Total module study hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (3,000 words) – 40%
Essay 2 (3,000 words) – 40%
Seminar Participation & Presentation – 20%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (3,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the American Revolution.
2 Apply methods and techniques to analyse and evaluate a wide variety of primary and secondary source materials relating to the history of American Revolution.
3 Critically evaluate, analyse, criticise and assess academic arguments.
4 Demonstrate the ability to plan and write a history essay and to organise it around a coherent argument.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Effectively communicate complex concepts and ideas clearly and coherently..
2 Reflect on, and manage, their own learning. Plan their use of time, and identify appropriate directions for further study.
3 Draw on their own independent research skills in gathering and interpreting primary resources in producing a final year dissertation.
4 synthesize and deploy different types of historical information effectively, through in-depth analysis of primary and secondary material.
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