Ideas which have changed society: the Industrial Revolution
Join this course and explore the big ideas that emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution - not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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The Industrial Revolution (c.1750–1850) was not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point. The arrival of machines, factories, and new social classes transformed how people thought about labour, society, politics, economics, and even human nature itself.
This course explores the big ideas that emerged in response to industrialization; from Adam Smith’s political economy to Karl Marx’s revolutionary critique, from the Romantic poets’ defence of nature and imagination to reformers’ demands for education, equality, and rights. Alongside this intellectual ferment, we will examine the engineering advances: steam power, railways, textiles, and ironworks - that provided the backdrop to these debates.
We will also consider how industrialisation reshaped Britain’s urban life, social classes, and imperial ambitions, fuelling colonial expansion and a new global balance of power. Finally, we will reflect on how the legacy of the Industrial Revolution continues to shape society and ideas in the modern world.
What will we cover?
The technological advances that powered industrialisation.
How thinkers, writers, and reformers responded to the changes brought about by industrialisation.
How new economic and political ideas - capitalism, socialism, utilitarianism - emerged from this period.
The cultural responses of Romantic poets, artists, and early feminists.
How industrialisation shaped debates on labour equality and the rise of imperialism.
How the intellectual and social legacy of the Industrial Revolution continues to influence us today.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify key technological and social changes of the Industrial Revolution.
Explain the major intellectual responses to industrialisation.
Critically assess the link between Britain’s industrial power, social change, and imperial expansion.
Reflect on the enduring influence of the Industrial Revolution’s ideas in the 21st century.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginner-friendly course. No prior knowledge of history, economics, or philosophy is required. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in how ideas, technology, and society interact in times of change. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond respectfully to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching methods will include illustrated tutor presentations, group discussions and collaborative tasks and case studies based on primary texts/ There will be no work required outside the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You might want to bring notetaking materials if you plan to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please check the philosophy, religion and ideas section within Culture, history and humanities on the City Lit website, for up-to-date details of all forthcoming history of ideas courses.
Ketan teaches courses in Business Skills and Indian Philosophy/History at CityLit. In his career Ketan has worked with over 30 large and complex organisations in helping them with Operational Excellence and Change Management. He is the author of the book ‘The Art of Transformational Change – a handbook for leaders and managers’, published in October 2015. Ketan is of indian hertitage and has visited many places of pilgrimage and history in India over the last 25 years. He has learnt Sanskrit to foundation level and studied several Indian sutras. He has delivered courses in Jain Philosophy for over 15 years.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ideas-which-have-changed-society-the-industrial-revolution2926236Ideas which have changed society: the Industrial Revolutionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/philosophy-literature-HP105-1024.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/The history of ideas22851177140414231228511771404<p><em>Join this course and explore the big ideas that emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution - not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point.</em></p>002926191Ideas which have changed society: the Industrial Revolution7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/philosophy-literature-HP105-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-06-13T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP2917979Ideas which have changed society: the Industrial Revolution635179Ketan Variaideas-which-have-changed-society-the-industrial-revolution/hp291-2526<p><em>Join this course and explore the big ideas that emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution - not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point.</em></p>0000-Available|2026-06-13 00:00:00<p><em>The Industrial Revolution (c.1750–1850) was not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point. The arrival of machines, </em>factories,<em> and new social classes transformed how people thought about labour, society, politics, economics, and even human nature itself.</em></p><p><em>This course explores the big ideas that emerged in response to industrialization; from Adam Smith’s political economy to Karl Marx’s revolutionary critique, from the Romantic poets’ defence of nature and imagination to reformers’ demands for education, equality, and rights. Alongside this intellectual ferment, we will examine the engineering advances: steam power, railways, textiles, and ironworks - that provided the backdrop to these debates.</em></p><p><em>We will also consider how industrialisation reshaped Britain’s urban life, social classes, and imperial ambitions, fuelling colonial expansion and a new global balance of power. Finally, we will reflect on how the legacy of the Industrial Revolution continues to shape society and ideas in the modern world.</em></p><p><em>Join this course and explore the big ideas that emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution - not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point.</em></p><ul><li>The technological advances that powered industrialisation.</li><li>How thinkers, writers, and reformers responded to the changes brought about by industrialisation.</li><li>How new economic and political ideas - capitalism, socialism, utilitarianism - emerged from this period.</li><li>The cultural responses of Romantic poets, artists, and early feminists.</li><li>How industrialisation shaped debates on labour equality and the rise of imperialism.</li><li>How the intellectual and social legacy of the Industrial Revolution continues to influence us today.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key technological and social changes of the Industrial Revolution.</li><li>Explain the major intellectual responses to industrialisation.</li><li>Critically assess the link between Britain’s industrial power, social change, and imperial expansion.</li><li>Reflect on the enduring influence of the Industrial Revolution’s ideas in the 21st century.</li></ul><p>This is a beginner-friendly course. No prior knowledge of history, economics, or philosophy is required. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in how ideas, technology, and society interact in times of change. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond respectfully to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>Teaching methods will include illustrated tutor presentations, group discussions and collaborative tasks and case studies based on primary texts/ There will be no work required outside the course.</p><p>No other costs. You might want to bring notetaking materials if you plan to take notes.</p><p>Please check the philosophy, religion and ideas section within Culture, history and humanities on the City Lit website, for up-to-date details of all forthcoming history of ideas courses.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasThe history of ideasvirtual637951HP291NONESat13/06/2610:00 - 17:0010:0017:001 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetKetan VariaBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-13T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities7979Ideas which have changed society: the Industrial Revolutionideas-which-have-changed-society-the-industrial-revolution/hp291-2526<p><em>Join this course and explore the big ideas that emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution - not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point.</em></p>0000-Available|2026-06-13 00:00:00<p><em>The Industrial Revolution (c.1750–1850) was not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point. The arrival of machines, </em>factories,<em> and new social classes transformed how people thought about labour, society, politics, economics, and even human nature itself.</em></p><p><em>This course explores the big ideas that emerged in response to industrialization; from Adam Smith’s political economy to Karl Marx’s revolutionary critique, from the Romantic poets’ defence of nature and imagination to reformers’ demands for education, equality, and rights. Alongside this intellectual ferment, we will examine the engineering advances: steam power, railways, textiles, and ironworks - that provided the backdrop to these debates.</em></p><p><em>We will also consider how industrialisation reshaped Britain’s urban life, social classes, and imperial ambitions, fuelling colonial expansion and a new global balance of power. Finally, we will reflect on how the legacy of the Industrial Revolution continues to shape society and ideas in the modern world.</em></p><p><em>Join this course and explore the big ideas that emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution - not only an economic and technological upheaval but also an intellectual turning point.</em></p><ul><li>The technological advances that powered industrialisation.</li><li>How thinkers, writers, and reformers responded to the changes brought about by industrialisation.</li><li>How new economic and political ideas - capitalism, socialism, utilitarianism - emerged from this period.</li><li>The cultural responses of Romantic poets, artists, and early feminists.</li><li>How industrialisation shaped debates on labour equality and the rise of imperialism.</li><li>How the intellectual and social legacy of the Industrial Revolution continues to influence us today.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key technological and social changes of the Industrial Revolution.</li><li>Explain the major intellectual responses to industrialisation.</li><li>Critically assess the link between Britain’s industrial power, social change, and imperial expansion.</li><li>Reflect on the enduring influence of the Industrial Revolution’s ideas in the 21st century.</li></ul><p>This is a beginner-friendly course. No prior knowledge of history, economics, or philosophy is required. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in how ideas, technology, and society interact in times of change. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond respectfully to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.</p><p>Teaching methods will include illustrated tutor presentations, group discussions and collaborative tasks and case studies based on primary texts/ There will be no work required outside the course.</p><p>No other costs. You might want to bring notetaking materials if you plan to take notes.</p><p>Please check the philosophy, religion and ideas section within Culture, history and humanities on the City Lit website, for up-to-date details of all forthcoming history of ideas courses.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasThe history of ideasconfigurable
14231404The history of ideashttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/the-history-of-ideas1/2/285/1177/1404/14231/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/The history of ideas
