History

The ancient Greek world is well known for its remarkable political developments, striking military successes and lasting cultural achievements, yet the economic base which sustained all these things has long been regarded as a simple agricultural subsistence economy, typical of the pre-industrial world. This course examines whether the evidence for economic development across Greece in the archaic period (c. 750-450 BC) and the economic systems of Athens and Sparta in the classical period (c. 450-300 BC) supports that characterization or suggests a more complex picture. 

This course provides an overview of the political history of France from 1815-1940. It covers the failed Second Republic, neither democratic nor liberal; the return of imperial France, a final transition between an authoritarian regime and a liberal regime; the Third Republic, a severe struggle between the royalists and republicans; and the radical party, aimed at a liberal democracy. The course highlights how, through the end of the 19th century, the installation of the Republic was fraught with economic crises and political oppositions. 

This course introduces students to the earliest evidence for the Celts, in archaeology, language and history, to show the extent and depth of Celtic cultural roots in ancient Europe, extending backwards to about 6000 BCE. The course then covers the history of the Celtic people and regions in early medieval times, including the coming of Christianity and the interactions with the Vikings, up till about AD 1000.

This course explores the role of seapower and empires in the development of modern warfare, strategy, and international relations. Students examine the role of sea power in imperialism and the relationship between East and West, the role of technological innovation in the ability of sea power to affect war and politics both at the global and regional levels, the role of maritime geography as a structural impediment and enabler in the projection of power, and the conceptual complexities involved in the terms empire and imperialism as tools for understanding the strategic challenges that face the world today.

This course offers a study of the politics, society, and culture of the Roman Empire-- the first union of the European world under a single order, a single language, and a single law. 

This course situates the histories of science, technology and industry within global history from ancient times to the present day. The concepts of historical time, social and economic development, and even progress will be examined throughout. Continuity, change and the diffusion of knowledge and practices are central themes. The course covers a variety of activities, such as innovation, research, development, production, distribution, maintenance, and disposal. In so doing, the course draws upon a diverse array of historical sources and research gathered around themes such as power, control, empire, (de)globalisation, autarchy, logistics, gender, organization, and work. The course considers older social science thinkers such as Marx, Weber, and Foucault, as well as more recent commentators.