MA in the History of Political Discourse 1500-1800

A new and innovative MA in the History of Political Discourse (1500-1800) was piloted by the Universities of East Anglia and Hull. 

Why the History of Political Discourse?

The MA in the History of Political Discourse (1500-1800) offered an exciting opportunity to study the transformations in political ‘languages’ which were effected, in the early modern period by the Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment. By examining a broad range of texts in the intellectual, social and religious contexts in which they were formed, students were encouraged to develop a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of the characteristics of early modern political, ethical and philosophical debate. Such a focus on the study of discourse and context was designed to equip students with the research skills and specialist knowledge required to interpret the significant questions which lay at the centre of early modern political disputes.

Institutional Collaboration and a Virtual Research Environment

In addition to this engagement with the latest research developments, a unique feature of the programme was its use of cutting-edge technology to deliver core modules. The three core modules (Authority and Ideology in Seventeenth-Century England, Historiography for the History of Political Discourse, Obedience and Dissent in the Age of Renaissance and Reformation) were taught through joint seminars using the very latest in video-conferencing technology. Moreover, the programme was supported by its very own, online ‘Virtual Research Environment’ through which students could access all course materials and engage with tutors and colleagues at the partner institution. The use of technology to enable cross-institutional teaching allowed students to learn from the expertise of a greater range of historians, as well as interacting with a group of students who have learnt history in different environments.

The future  

Further collaborations in MA teaching are being discussed. The most likely outcome is a series of 'master-classes' embedded within modules hosted by collaborating institutions. For more information please contact Mark Knights [mj.knights@warwick.ac.uk].