British politics and political thought, 1800 to the present

Words, deeds and democracy: this course is intended as an introduction to the most significant ideas, issues and individuals associated with the history of British political thought from 1800 to the present day. Covering the practical changes that saw Britain evolve into a modern democracy, as well as the intellectual changes that saw a growing tension between theory and action, the discussions will be relevant to anyone interested in the nature of constitutions, the emergence of social movements, the revision of the concepts of liberty and democracy in the age of commercial society, and the changing role and impact of political theory.  

Placing each topic within its proper historical context, the course will work on two levels: one charting the change in ambition within political theory as a vocation (from the grand theories associated with the classical age of Enlightenment, through the crises of confidence during the 20th century and on to the more circumscribed aims of today); and the other reflecting on the evolution of political theory as a profession (noting its increasingly specialised role within academia, and its changing relationship with public life and culture).  

Among the themes covered will be the distinctive strengths and weaknesses of the British Constitution; parliamentary reform and the changing dynamics of power between the Monarchy, the House of Lords and the House of Commons; the emergence of professional political parties and social movements; the campaigns for political rights by working men and women during the 19th and early 20th centuries; the attempts to update the respective traditions of socialism, liberalism and conservatism; and the evolving debate concerning the most coherent, constructive and relevant role for political theory in the modern world. 

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• An understanding of the key methodological issues relating to the study of the history  of ideas.  
• A good basic knowledge of all the individual theorists and theories covered in the course, along with an awareness of the impact of each theory upon the institutions and attitudes not only of the era in which they were conceived and adapted.  
• A sound and constructive appreciation of the implications of each theory’s legacy, both for thought and action.

Classes

1. Progression, Disintegration and Doubt  
2. Mill  
3. Bagehot  
4. Green  
5. Oakeshott, Berlin and the crisis of political theory 

Required reading

Hampsher-Monk, Iain. A History of Modern Political Thought: Major Political Thinkers from Hobbes to Marx. Wiley-Blackwell, 1993. 

Typical week: Monday to Friday

For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.