George III

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge required.

Content of Course

1. Introduction: George III and the historians.

2. Finding his feet: the early reign. 1760 – 1775.

3. Crisis: the loss of America and the King at bay. 1775 – 1785.

4. Personal troubles and war abroad: the later reign. 1785 – 1820.

Teaching method(s)

Lecture based with class discussion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Describe the personality, interests and beliefs of King George III;

• Critically assess why he was a controversial ruler with many of his own subjects during his own day;

• Evaluate the changing role of the monarchy during his lifetime;

• Analyse the impact of his illness during his own day, and its role in shaping his posthumous reputation;

• Explain how and why the views of historians about King George have changed dramatically since the nineteenth century.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Ayling, S., 1972. George III. London: Collins.

• Pares, R., 1953. King George III and the Politicians. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

• Hibbert, C., 1998. George III, a Personal History. London: Penguin.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.