Acquire a broad foundational coverage of the history of modern Britain;

Gain an introduction to some of the major historiographical controversies relating to modern Britain and thus to the competing perspectives on Britain’s recent past adopted by historians working in different historiographical traditions;

Enhance critical awareness of the sources of evidence deployed by historians of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries;

Develop skills in the interpretation of sources.

(LO1) An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon secondary evidence, including historical writings and the interpretations of historians.

(LO2) An understanding of comparative perspectives, through the ability to identify and to assess similarity and difference by temporal and/or spatial comparison.

(LO3) A foundational knowledge of the history of modern Britain.

(S1) Confidence, independence of mind, responsibility, organisation and time-management.

(S2) The ability to work collaboratively and to participate in group discussion

(S3) Gathering, analysing and organising information, including online and digital resources.

(S4) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of oral expression.

(S5) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of written expression

This course is taught by means of twenty-two twice-weekly lectures and six fortnightly seminars. Lectures are designed to give you an introduction to key themes and issues, and to provide a narrative backdrop; they are the basis for independent reading and research. Seminars provide an opportunity for in-depth, student-led discussion of topics chosen by your tutor. Topics include religion and science; power, politics and progress; the impact of empire on colonized and colonizers; leisure and culture; crime; gender; Britain in World War and Depression; postwar society; the 1960s; heritage and decline.

Lecture:
The lectures provide a framework for the module, introduce the main themes, concepts and historical debates, and provide the context for the in-depth discussions in the seminars.

Seminar:
These focus on detailed group analysis of key aspects of the module.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.