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HS326: Twentieth Century Britain

Module Title	Twentieth Century Britain
Module Code	HS326
Module Tutor	Vicky Morrisroe
School	Humanities
CAT Points	30
Level of Study	6
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
Restrictions	In taking this module you cannot pass HS232 and pass HS322 and pass HS336 and pass HS337
Brief Description	The module aims: to explore cultural and social change in Britain from the death of Queen Victoria to the fall of Margaret Thatcher from power; to examine how contemporary identities were constructed in relation to gender, class, and ethnicity in an age of increasing consumerism
Indicative Syllabus	The module introduces students to theoretical models of modernity as a means for exploring the dynamics of a mass society based on new technologies, expanding urban environments, growing consumerism and an expanded franchise. The module examines class and gender relations and changing attitudes to sex and sexualities, as well as the social impact of the World Wars. A study of the interwar period focuses on debates surrounding class, welfare and poverty. The module explores the rise of the affluent consumer society in the 1950s and 1960s as well as investigating its limits. Within the context of affluence the module investigates the creation of youth culture and distinct subcultures, as well as the meaning and myths of the 'swinging' sixties. The impact and experience of immigration and the processes of identity formation inherent amongst ethnic minority communities is stressed, which are in turn contextualised amongst broader conceptions of national identity in this period.
Learning Outcomes	i. Knowledge and understanding On successful completion of the module the student should be able to demonstrate: a) a knowledge of key themes in the social and cultural history of twentieth-century Britain b) a familiarity with the historiographical debates central to an understanding of class, gender and ethnicity in twentieth-century Britain c) an awareness of the problems inherent in studying contemporary history ii. Skills On successful completion of the module the student should be able to demonstrate: a) the ability to assess critically the arguments of historians b) the ability to utilise the analytical approaches of social and cultural history c) the ability to evaluate source materials
Learning and Teaching Activities	Staff / student contact: 20% (lectures, tutorials) Student directed learning: 80%
Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide)	001: 25% Coursework: Standard: 2000 words or equivalent 002: 50% Coursework: Standard: 4000 words or equivalent 003: 25% Written Exam: End of year, seen, closed book: 1.50 hours
Special Assessment Requirements	None
Indicative Resources	The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.

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