History Courses in Detail

HIS 01: The Bible and History

Tutor: Dick Wilson
Day and time: Wednesday 9.30 - 10.45
Venue: Room 4, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 10
What use does the Bible make of history? What use is it to historians? The course will discuss these questions in relation to the biblical accounts of the early history of Israel, the Israelite kingdoms and the Exile, the Gospels and the early Christian Church. Bring a Bible - Revised Standard Version, Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, New International Version or other modern translation.
Note: 9 weeks only (last class 8th December).

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HIS 02: Biographies

Co-ordinator: David Simmons
Day and time: Friday 10.45 - 12.15
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Jesus Lane
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 24
If you enjoy biographies why not share this interest with others in a friendly group. Each week a different member of the group introduces their chosen subject, the person's life, or perhaps a particular aspect of it; their travels, discoveries, or other achievements.
The different areas of knowledge and points of view within the group usually ensure the talk is followed by a good question and discussion session. Last year we covered a wide range of subjects including: Richard Strauss, Edward Burne-Jones, Geoffrey Chaucer and Roald Amunsden.

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HIS 03: Britain and France since 1800: Britain and Russia since 1800

Tutor: Gerald Goldstone
Day and time: Wednesday 10.15 - 11.30
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 15
This course will look at how Britain has got on with two of its European neighbours over the last two centuries or so. As allies or enemies, the French and Russians have always been significant to Britain in this period. Although politics will provide the structure, we will also look at cultural influences each way, and at what our current images are and how they were formed.

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HIS 04: Britain and America since 1800: Britain and Germany since 1800 (Spring term)

Tutor: Gerald Goldstone
Day and time: Wednesday 10.15 - 11.30
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 15
We will look at Britain's relations with the USA and then with Germany in its various forms over the past two centuries or so. As well as the politics we will look at the cultural and economic influences each way, and at how our current images were formed.

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HIS 05: Cambridge past, present and future
Leaders: Desmond FitzGerald, Chris Lakin & Bill Peters
Day and time: Monday 2.00 - 4.00
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 20
'Cambridge Past Present and Future' builds on the success of its predecessor course 'Cambridge Today and its Future' with a greater inclusion of historic content. Talks will be given by historians, archaeologists and prominent local figures. There will be guided tours of museums, libraries and places of interest with talks by their curators.
The aim is to consider current happenings in Cambridge and to speculate about the future of the city whilst examining its past. Students will be given a say in determining the ground to be covered and places to be visited so that the course can be tailored to meet the particular interests of class members. Although a year is hardly long enough to cover the wealth of information available, the course will provide a balanced and comprehensive overview of the subject. The popularity of the course is testament to its fascination for students who appreciate the opportunity to be involved. A programme of events will be sent to members prior to the start of term.
Note: Visits will take place weekly in the autumn and spring terms. In the summer term, sessions will alternate between visits and an indoor meeting in Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
.

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HIS 06: Cambridge History and the Wider Context

Tutor: David Berkley
Day and time: Thursday 11.00 - 1.00
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 20
Week 1: Meet U3AC; then Quayside, Bridge Street, Round Church, Thos. Clarkson (St John's College)
Week 2: Meet Round Church; then Old Divinity School, Sidney Sussex , Great St Mary's, The 'Eagle'
Week 3: Meet Great St Mary's; Senate House Passage, Trinity Hall, King's Chapel.
Week 4: Meet Trinity College; then Trinity College and St John's College
Week 5: Meet Magdalene College; then Magdalene College, Union Society, Jesus College
Week 6: Meet Tourist Information Centre; then New Museums site, Trumpington St, St Edward's Church & Holy Trinity Church
Week 7: Meet Emmanuel College; then Emmanuel, Pembroke & Queens' Colleges
Note: 7 weeks only, starts 14th October.

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HIS 07:Cambridge History and the Wider Context (spring term)

Tutor: David Berkley
Day and time: Thursday 11.00 - 1.00
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 20
Details as HIS 06.
Note: 7 weeks only, starts 13th January.

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HIS 08:Cambridge History and the Wider Context (summer term)
Tutor: David Berkley
Day and time: Thursday 11.00 - 1.00
Terms: Summer.
Number of places: 20
Week 1: Meet U3AC; then Quayside, Bridge Street, Round Church, Thos. Clarkson (St John's College)
Week 2: Meet Tourist Information Centre; then New Museums Site, Trumpington Street, St Bene't Church, Holy Trinity Church
Week 3: Meet Gt St Mary's; then Gt St Mary's, Senate House Passage, King's College Chapel, The 'Eagle'
Week 4: Meet Round Church; Old Divinity School, Sidney Sussex, St Edward's Church
Week 5: Meet Trinity College;: then Trinity College and St John's College
Week 6: Meet Magdalene College; Magdalene College, Union Society, Jesus College
Week 7: Meet Emmanuel College; Emmanuel, Pembroke and Queens' Colleges
Note: 7 weeks only, starts 16th June.

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HIS 09: The Ending of the British Empire (summer term)

Tutor: Gerald Goldstone
Day and time: Friday 10.15 - 11.30
Terms: Summer.
Number of places: 15
This will be a repeat of the course offered in 2010.
The British Empire went from apparent pre-eminence after the First World War to virtual disappearance fifty years later. This course will look at the many, often conflicting, explanations that have been offered to account for this remarkable transformation, and at the effects of these events on Britain and the regions it once ran.

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HIS 10: England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

Tutor: Dick Wilson
Day and time: Wednesday 11.30 - 12.45
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 40
Themes and events in the history of our islands from the beginnings to the 20th century. Various speakers; and members of the class will be given an opportunity to make a presentation if they wish. Illustrations from Cambridgeshire and East Anglia where appropriate. Some overlap with the 2009-2010 course but most will be new.

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HIS 11: Family History for Beginners

Tutors: Joan Wooding & Ed Munn
Day and time: Wednesday 10.30 - 11.30
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 10
This is a course for members who would like to begin to trace their ancestors. Joan will talk about the use of basic resources (civil registration, censuses, parish registers and wills) which are available in Cambridge for British and Worldwide research. Ed will lead 2 sessions at his house (for half the group at a time) on the use of the internet for family history research. These sessions on 1st and 8th December will be 1½ - 2 hours long.
Note: 7 sessions, starts 3rd November.

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HIS 12: France and the French

Leader: Peter Granville Davis
Day and time: Tuesday 11.00 - 12.00 (except 2nd Nov – replaced with Wed 3rd Nov)
Venue: The Refectory, Wesley Church, Christ's Pieces
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 70
Talks on the following:
1. Cluny and the monastic legacy; 2. Of chivalry, crusades and the coming of woman; 3. Joan of Arc and the Hundred Years' War; 4. Louis XIV and le Grand Siècle; 5. Molière and the Comedie Française; 6. Napoléon and the making of modern France; 7. Balzac and the Comédie Humaine; 8. The Belle Epoque: fin de siecle, 1870 to 1914; 9. The Grandes Ecoles, training an élite; 10. Crossing the channel, a personal odyssey.
For an introduction to these talks please visit Peter's website www.haresend

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HIS 13: Heraldry (spring term)

Tutor: Alan Turner
Day and time: Tuesday 10.30 - 11.30
Venue: Room 2, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 16
An introduction to this ancient craft, to the odd language of the heralds, the beautiful designs and hidden meanings. We will use the College arms and those of well known people. There will be handouts.

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HIS 14: The Industrial Revolution - Why it Started in Britain

Leader: Bill Humphrey
Day and time: Tuesday 2.30 - 3.45
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 10
We will read and discuss The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspective by Robert C Allen (CUP). The author takes a new look at why Britain was the first country to experience an industrial revolution.

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HIS 15: Keeping Britain free from Invasion

Tutor: Graham Anthony
Day and time: Tuesday 12.45 - 1.45
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street.
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 40
Four talks by a Maritime Historian.
How a web of piracy, smuggling and legal trade developed to support sea-power and keep Britain free from tyranny.
1. Defeat of the Spanish Armada - the triumph of Elizabethan England.
2. No curry for Napoleon - how Nelson and Wellington destroyed the French dreams of Empire.
3. Seven spectacular sinkings - man's obstinacy and perversity led to improved safety at sea.
4. Britannia down but not out - the battles with U-boats 1939 to 1945.

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HIS 16: Medieval Times and People

Tutor: James Henry
Day and time: Monday 12.30 - 1.30
Venue: Room 5, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 20
This is an introductory course to the Middle Ages. Things discussed will include the fall of the Roman Empire and the barbarian invasions, the medieval church, Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire, the Vikings, Byzantium, Islam, the Crusades, the Norman Conquest, feudalism and the Black Death. The style of this course will be informal and questions and discussion will be welcomed.

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HIS 17: Military History

Leader: Ted Lachlan
Day and time: Thursday 2.30 - 3.45
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 26
The circle has enjoyed another interesting year, with its members presenting a wide range of topics covering all three Armed Services. We propose to meet again this year. Members are encouraged to give a talk on any aspect of military history - e.g. campaigns, battles, personalities, logistics, development of weapons - but they do NOT have to! New members are most welcome.

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HIS 18: Roman History: The "Emperor" Augustus and his work

Tutor: Prof David Page
Day and time: Wednesday 10.00 - 11.30
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 30
After defeating Antony and Cleopatra, Augustus Caesar (great-nephew of Julius Caesar) spent the next 44 years working tirelessly to lay the foundations of "the Roman Empire". His achievements between 31 BC and AD 14 served Rome well for the next two centuries. Our course will study Augustus' constitutional work, his creation of a "dynasty", and his moulding of Rome's first professional army and rudimentary civil service. We will look at his social work, which affected marriage, divorce, the procreation of children and the freeing of slaves. We will see how he revived the state religion and allowed innovation ("emperor worship"). We will see how he encouraged the Arts, especially literature, and made Rome a city worthy of an empire. And we will see how he expanded Rome's territorial possessions. There will be a series of illustrated lectures, supplemented by handouts. And there will be ample time for discussion.
This is a repeat of the course offered in the summer term 2009-2010.

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HIS 19: Roman History: The Julio-Claudian Emperors (AD 14-68) and Beyond (spring term)

Tutor: Prof David Page
Day and time: Wednesday 10.00 - 11.30
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 30
This course, the chronological sequel to the course on the first Roman "emperor" Augustus, looks at how his "Julio-Claudian" successors 'managed' the system inherited from him. In addition to examining aspects of their administrations, the political atmosphere under each of them, and their military policies, we will ask whether their 'traditional' reputations are fully merited. Was Tiberius (AD 14-37) really dour and hypocritical? Was Gaius (Caligula) (AD 37-41) frighteningly insane? Was Claudius (AD 41-54) under the thumb of his wives and ex-slaves? Was Nero (AD 54-68) totally irresponsible in his role as emperor? And what was the effect of the chaotic "civil war" which followed Nero's suicide?
Our course will comprise a series of illustrated lectures, supplemented by handouts. And there will be ample time for discussion. For those who have not had the opportunity to study the preceding 'reign' of Augustus, a summary of his main achievements will be made available.

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HIS 20: Snapshots of Spain's Past (spring term)

Tutor: Ken Smith
Day and time: Thursday 12.15 - 1.15
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 20
This series of talks is for anyone who would like to know some of the historical events which have contributed to the culture of modern Spain and the attitudes of its people. The sessions will consist of visual presentations with some time for questions and discussion. The topics will include: the Moorish influence, Spain's Golden Age, an 18C expedition to South America, the loss of Spain's empire, wars in Morocco, a review of recent Spanish novels, and some trends in post-Franco cinema. Ken Smith cannot claim to be a historian, however in these sessions he will draw on his interest in Spain and its people.
No knowledge of Spanish language is necessary. Some members who attend will no doubt be able to bring further knowledge of these topics, and will be welcome to join in any discussions which may develop.

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HIS 21: Spanish Civil War (spring term)

Tutor: Nick Coni
Day and time: Monday 2.00 - 3.30
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 40
The tutor is not a historian but has published a book and 2 or 3 papers in academic journals on aspects of the war. The classes will attempt to cover the events leading to the war and its aftermath as well as the course of the war itself - from a non-political viewpoint. A member who attended this year's course complimented the tutor 'I found it all profoundly depressing'.

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HIS 22: The Struggle Continues

Leader: Carole Pook
Day and time: Tuesday 3.15 - 4.45
Venue: Room 2, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 12
We will listen to the voices of women from the inter war years of the last century as they struggle towards equality. We will read what they have to say about fashions, films, dancing as well as housework, employment, children, marriage and the Vote.

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HIS 23: The Unification of Italy / The Risorgimento

Tutor: Lucy Munby
Day and time: Thursday 10.45 - 12.00
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 9
The subject of this course will be the events over seventy years in which Italy changed from being - in Metternich's terms - 'a geographical expression' to a nation state. The protagonists in these struggles were, principally, Mazzini, the theoretician and visionary; Garibaldi, the revolutionary and military leader; and Cavour, the diplomat and politician. Supporting them were the mainly young enthusiasts, often from professional families, and Garibaldi's Red Shirts. Their opponents were the kingdoms of Austria, Spain, Naples and the papal states, with France intervening at crucial times in support of Italian independence.

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HIS 24: The Unification of Germany (spring term)

Tutor: Lucy Munby
Day and time: Thursday 10.45 - 12.00
Terms: Spring.
Number of places: 9
This course will look at the events leading up to the ceremony in Versailles at which the King of Prussia became the Emperor of Germany. We shall look at how Prussia rose to be a great power and so challenged Austrian supremacy. Prussia fought three successful wars under Bismarck's leadership, against Denmark, Austria and France. The siege of Paris and the commune during the Franco-Prussian war will also be studied. Finally, the character of the German state which emerged must be considered, since it became of European significance.

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HIS 25: 5th Century Athens (a course of 8 lectures)

Tutor: Eric Southern
Day and time: Thursday 1.45 - 2.45
Venue: Room 2, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn.
Number of places: 12
1 . Chronology
2 - 3. Historians
4 - 5. Dramatists
6. Comedy
7 - 8. Philosophers
Note: 8 weeks, starts 14th October.

* See also ARTA 02 which has links with History

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