The history of ideas is a dynamic and expanding field and this programme enables students to pursue an exciting programme of study, exploring ideas comparatively and in their geographical, social and historical contexts. If students want to understand and investigate the relationship between ideas and actions across a wide variety of historical periods, geographical places, and theoretical and methodological perspectives, then this is the degree for students.
The introductory compulsory module explores key topics and questions within the history of ideas and will introduce students to the conceptual background needed for the historical study of ideas at postgraduate level.
This Master's degree in the History of Ideas from Birkbeck, University of London offers a wide range of option modules, covering topics in periods from classical antiquity to the present day, including ancient philosophy, politics and ethics, Judaism and antisemitism, early modern politics, Darwinism and race in the nineteenth century, psychoanalysis, modernity and technology, and Islam and the politics of fundamentalism. Students will also receive training in research skills to undertake the researching and writing of a dissertation on the topic of most interest to students.
