History: What if (the road not travelled)

"In this course, we will have the opportunity to explore key moments in history and considered the potential outcomes of alternate decisions and events. By examining and discussing counterfactual scenarios, we will have gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of historical events and the long lasting impact of these pivotal moments. Starting with the Battle of Hastings, we will examine the enormous impact of the Norman victory and its consequences. Other topics which will be considered will be the possibility of Henry VIII having received his annulment from Katherine of Aragon from the Pope. How might England be different today if this had been granted. Other topics will include the possibility that the American War of Independence had been avoided. We will also look at the likely outcome if Ireland had been granted Home Rule in 1912. Further counterfactual scenarios will concentrate on both world wars such as Britain not declaring war on Germany in 1914. More recent history will look at possible outcomes if President Kennedy has survived the attack in Dallas in 1963, and

consider the situation had Gorbachev not become leader of the USSR in 1985. Join the class to enjoy speculating on alternative outcomes to major historical events."