WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15
S:\WEAMISdata\EA\Course Information Sheets 2014.15\C2221399_outline.doc
Course title: Revolutions and Revolutionaries
Course reference: C2221399
Tutor(s): Chad Goodwin
Venue: Poringland Community Centre, Overtons Way, NR14 7WB
Fee: £48.00
Start date:15/01/2015
End date: 26/03/2015
Day(s)/time(s): Thu 10:30
Number of sessions: 10
Hours per session: 1.5
Level: 3
Title of qualification to be gained (if any): n/a
Awarding body (if any): n/a
Essential materials e.g. books and equipment to be provided by the student
Course aims:
Political revolutions are, almost by definition, fascinating events. The people who lead them may appear to
be charismatic visionaries – or just self-seeking charlatans.
Can we identify any common themes that link such dramatic events? Is it possible to identify a
revolutionary moment?
We shall follow a roughly chronological outline, comparing and analysing major revolutionary periods from
the 17th century, to the present. It is, however, the broader picture of themes, causes and effects that will
occupy us; all of the principal historical revolutions will be covered, some in greater depth than others. The
important point is that all issues will be open to debate.
Course description:
Revolutions are, by their very nature, fascinating events. We shall examine and analyse several, from the
medieval to the present, looking for common themes. And revolutionary leaders - charismatic, inspirational,
or just self-serving?
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
No detailed prior knowledge of the subject is necessary, but we all probably carry our own images and
interpretations of such momentous events. Background notes will be provided as hand-outs. An interest in
actively debating the issues raised is the main requirement.
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
We shall be studying a number of particular revolutionary periods and events, and also building up a
general context for examining and explaining these extraordinary moments.
We shall consider:
 17th century England; the “revolution” of the civil war, and the subsequent “Glorious” revolution
 The American & French revolutions of the 18th century, and their respective impacts
 The revolutions of the early 19th century which led to the “liberation” of Spanish America
 Turbulent times in continental Europe throughout the 19th century
 The promise of communism: Russia, China & Cuba
 Late 20th century Europe: a “rainbow” of revolutions
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used 
Demonstration
Discussion
Project work
Question and
answer
Research
Activity outside

class time
Presentation
Field trip

Individual
work
Written work
Group work
Role play

Observation
Other (state)

Practical work
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
Everyone will be encouraged to exchange views and raise their own questions throughout the course. The
tutor will frequently recap subjects, to ensure that everyone remains fully in touch.
The Learning Record will enable you to assess your own learning.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the
class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
Identify what makes a revolution different from a mere “palace coup”
recognise the main features of the revolutions discussed
begin to analyse the causes, and effects of revolutions
evaluate if armed struggle is a valid means of changing government
5. determine if moderate reform is the “British way” of implementing change
1.
2.
3.
4.
Reading and information sources: Is any reading/preparation essential or desirable?
C. Hill
E. Vallance
E. Countryman
G. Wood
B. Bailyn
E. Royle
W. Doyle
W. Doyle
C. Emsley
G. Claeys
C.L.R. James
R. Harvey
A. Horne
T. Pakenham
E. Hobsbawm
E. Hobsbawm
S. Smith
Timothy Garton Ash
The World Turned Upside Down
The Glorious Revolution
The American Revolution
The Radicalism of the American Revolution
Faces of Revolution
Revolutionary Britannia?
The French Revolution, A Very Short Intro.
The Oxford History of the French Revolution
Britain and the French Revolution
The French Revolution Debate in Britain
The Black Jacobins
Liberators (Latin America)
The Terrible Year (The Paris Commune)
The Year of Liberty (Irish Rebellion 1798)
The Age of Revolution
Revolutionaries
The Russian Revolution – a Very Short Intro.
We, The People
1972, various imprints
Abacus, 2007
Pelican, 1985
Vintage, 1991
Vintage, 1992
Manchester UP, 2000
Oxford UP, 2001
Oxford UP, 2002
Longman, 2000
Palgrave, 2007
1938, 1980, various
Robinson, 2000
Phoenix, 2004
Abacus, 1969, 1997
1962, various
Abacus, 1999
Oxford UP, 2002
Penguin, 1999
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
You should feel that you have received a thorough introduction to the subject of revolutionary struggle.
There are clearly many opportunities to put this knowledge to good effect in appreciating numerous novels
& films set against revolutionary backdrops.
There are, sadly, very few other courses offered throughout the adult education spectrum which will build
upon this foundation.
You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services for Students here
http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information This includes information on fees, learning support and financial support.
As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this academic year.
You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment form), but if not please ask for
a copy from your tutor.
You can enrol online for some courses http://www.wea.org.uk/courses
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