British politics and political thought, 1600-1800

This course introduces key figures, theories and themes from two centuries of British political thought. It includes Hobbes and Locke (political obligation); Hume and Smith (wealth and virtue); Burke and Paine (revolution). It also explores common concerns – liberty; obligation; civic virtue; the claim 'to know better' – and considers their enduring relevance.

This course is intended as an introduction to the key figures, theories and themes associated with the first two centuries of modern British political thought, from 1600 to 1800. Among those featured are Hobbes and Locke (and the nature of political obligation); Hume and Smith (and the relationship between wealth and virtue); Burke and Paine (and the nature of constitution); and the Romantic critics of Enlightenment orthodoxy.  

Although each individual thinker will be discussed on his own terms, and in the specific context of his times, the course will also explore the common concerns – such as the nature of modern liberty; the grounds of obligation; the cultivation of civic virtue; and the basis of the claim to know better – that unite them all. Every effort will also be made, throughout the course, to underline and illustrate the continuing relevance of each of these theories both for Britain and for political life in general. 

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.  
• An appreciation of the importance of the historicity of concepts and categories within  political thought.  
• 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, but also on the subsequent periods in which they were interpreted and adapted. 
• A clear and constructive understanding of the various attempts by political theorists to define and defend their claims to professional expertise. 

Classes

1. A Science of politics  
2. Hobbes and Locke  
3. Smith and Hume  
4. Paine and Burke  
5. The Legacy

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.