British History
While many courses on the degree explore European or extra-European questions, the history of Britain is also a central strand within the programme.
Modules throughout the degree reflect on the political, social and cultural history of our ‘home’ nation-state. For example, questions of the Reformation and the role of Henry VIII are discussed in a series of modules that delve into the early modern period. Similarly, the lives of women in Britain are covered in a series of specialist modules taught by Dr Sue Morgan, author of key works on nineteenth and twentieth century women’s studies. Turning to the twentieth century, modules engage with important political and cultural controversies. For example, British fascism is debated and analysed in a comparative European context. Looking to the 1960s, the module ‘Cool Britannia’ tackles the legacies of the baby-boom era.
Throughout this strand of the degree we are asking the question what is Britishness? How do issues of religion, gender, politics and war effect our understandings of that concept?
Thematic Overview
At level one students take courses ranging from Early Modern Britain to Twentieth century politics and/or local historical studies.
At level two students can develop their knowledge by exploring the case studies of fascism and the 1960s; as well as having the potential to explore women’s lives in Victorian Britain.
At level three a number of core themes are revisited in greater depth and detail. Thus, modules include a focus on ‘Religion and Gender in 19th Century Britain’; the Church of England and the impact of War and Memory on British life in the twentieth century.