Debating Democracy in the Long 19th Century (V1499)
15 credits, Level 6
Autumn teaching
How can we make sense of the multiple crises of democracy today? On this module, you’ll think historically about this question. Examining a range of 19th century debates about democracy’s promise and its peril, you’ll discover how democracy was fought over and contested between the age of revolutions and the First World War.
At the beginning of this period, few believed that democracy could be made to work in the modern world. By the period’s end, democracy’s arrival was widely seen as inevitable, and perhaps the only legitimate way of organising modern states and societies. This is a global story, and you’ll discover how ideas of democracy were intertwined with debates about truth, mass politics, war and peace, race, and capitalism across:
- Europe
- Asia
- the Americas.
Focusing on the history of political ideas in their historical contexts, you’ll gain new insights into how ideas function in political debate and set the frameworks of the worlds in which we live.
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: