HS 311 - Britain, Ireland, and America

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: One HS 100-level course. Four nations inhabit the British Isles: the English, Welsh, Scots, and Irish. In the Glorious Revolution of 1688, they (and their colonies in America) broke with the European pattern of absolute monarchy set by Louis XIV of France. Instead, they attempted to work together under a constitutional monarchy. Over the course of three centuries of success-and spectacular failures-they developed political institutions basic to free governments everywhere. This course focuses on such institutions as individual liberty, representative government, social welfare, and democracy. It also discusses the differences and hostilities that have existed among the five nations, especially Irish rebellions and famine, but also the American Revolution and political devolution in Scotland and Wales. Using contemporary newspapers and films, students follow these developments down to the present day.