Conor Bollins

Conor Bollins

Dr

  • 3.07 Arts and Humanities Building

Personal profile

Biography

I am an early modern historian with broad expertise in the social, political, and cultural history of the period between 1500 and 1800. I have a particular specialism in the intellectual history of the eighteenth century. My research primarily relates to Enlightenment political thought, philosophy, and political economy.

My doctoral project, which I am currently turning into a monograph, looked at eighteenth-century debates about population growth and decline, with a focus on Britain and France, in order to explore changing notions of resource distribution, poor relief, domestic family life and the expansion of states through colonisation. I have also written on the historiography of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution.

Before starting at UEA in 2022, I spent time working at Queen Mary, University of London, University College London, and King's College London. 

Teaching Interests

I have taught extensively on the History of Political Thought, from Plato to NATO. Likewise, I have taught on a wide range of early modern history undergraduate modules. I have also convened postgraduate courses on eighteenth-century ideas about commerce and empire. 

My other responsibilities at UEA include delivering the History Bridge Course - a 12-week access course for students interested in pursuing or returning to Higher Education.

I have also designed a course that introduces GCSE students to the History of Political Thought, which has now been delivered at a number of secondary schools across London and Norfolk. 

Academic Background

University of Sussex - English Literature & History BA, 2013

University of Cambridge - Political Thought & Intellectual History MPhil, 2016

Queen Mary, University of London - PhD in History, 2021

Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, 2024