The Making of the Modern World (V1228)

30 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll examine the transformation of the world during the long 19th century (c. 1780-1920). You’ll explore how the ‘modern world’ emerged through interconnected developments across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa, revealing modernity as a contested global phenomenon shaped by diverse cultures and violent encounters.

This module emphasises how colonised societies were not passive recipients but active agents in shaping modernity, offering alternative visions of progress and society that challenged those originating in the West.

You’ll investigate major forces including:

  • nationalism
  • capitalism
  • racism
  • revolutionary political change.

You’ll examine broader transformations in:

  • natural environments
  • technologies
  • science
  • perceptions of time.

You’ll critically assess traditional ideas of progress and modernisation through engagement with exciting recent historical scholarship.

This module will build on your previous knowledge in establishing a foundational understanding of chronological depth and geographical breadth, while fostering key skills of:

  • writing
  • source analysis
  • research
  • digital history
  • methodological inquiry.

 

Teaching

40%: Lecture
60%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Practical (Portfolio)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 55 hours of contact time and about 245 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: