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The module compares the different but related developments in Britain and Franceduring this period. Students examine Britain (both England and Scotland) from the Restoration to the Hanoverian Succession (including the 1688 Revolution), and the France of Louis XIV when absolutism was at its height.

This course looks in detail at the development of contrasting forms of government in Britain and France, the myths and realities of personal absolutism under Louis XIV, and the rise of limited monarchy and political parties under the late Stuarts. Emphasis is placed on the study of social and economic structures and of cultural and religious aspects in the two countries at the end of the seventeenth century. Weekly sessions focus on narrower topics including political thought (Locke and Bossuet), military and diplomatic power, the development of banking, variations between capital and provinces, and the physical development of the Baroque state (e.g. Versailles and Whitehall).

i. Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the module the student should be able to demonstrate:
a) an understanding of the differences between the separate study of Britain and France and a comparative approach as their different lines of development emerged;
b) an understanding of the relationships between different historical factors within a comparatively brief chronological period;
c) an ability to explain the relationship between different aspects of history, e.g. social and political change;
d) a knowledge and understanding of a particular interest within the overall context of the module.

ii. Skills
Students should be able to demonstrate the following skills:
a) comparison, contrast and the synthesis of arguments and evidence;
b) the ability to design their own assignments subject to the approval of the module tutor;
c) understanding and evaluation of different historical traditions;d) an ability to debate the merits and deficiencies of opposing political ideas.

Staff/Student contact time: 20%
Student private study: 80%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.