Module: HIS5106-20 An Ungovernable People? Rights and Riot in a Historical Perspective

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: David Coast

Module Tutor Contact Details: d.coast@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module introduces you to the history of popular politics, protest and rebellion in England. Covering a broad chronological range, it examines the relationship between governors and governed from the medieval period to the present. It explores the history of popular rebellions and rioting, but also the many other ways that ordinary people could engage in politics and negotiate with elites, from petitioning and voting to libel and mockery, seeking to understand the tortuous and contested process through which the political nation was expanded and the rights of the people were asserted.

2.Outline syllabus:

The module will investigate a number of themes relating to the history of riot, protest and rebellion across a broad chronology, including:

• The motivations of rioters and the causes of rebellion

• The course and outcomes of rebellions

• Forms of popular political consciousness and involvement

• Government responses to protest and rebellion

• Everyday forms of protest

• Class, religion, gender and race

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussions, set reading.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Essay (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Exam 2 hours (seen)

• % Weighting: 40%