HS1NAN-Noise Annoys: A Soundtrack to British History, 1976-84

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Prof Matthew Worley

Email: m.worley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on the 1970s and 1980s during which Britain’s post-war settlement gave way to Thatcherism. Through seven songs of this era, we shall consider the social, political and economic transformations that redirected British history into the twenty-first century.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to use popular music and youth culture as a historical lens.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

•identify the sources of the topic in question

•trace its historical development

•be aware of differing historiographical interpretations of the pattern and causes of this development

•understand how ideas and events are shaped by their historical contexts

•organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, both under timed conditions and in assessed coursework

•demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims:

•to encourage students to think independently 

•to help students develop good oral and written communication skills 

•to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations 

•to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources. 

Outline content:

Each seminar will be based on a 7” single from the period 1976–1984. Subjects covered will be: the socio-economic and political crises of the 1970s (‘Anarchy in the UK’), race and racism (‘White Riot’), gender (‘Fairytale in the Supermarket’), unemployment and the riots of 1981 (‘Ghost Town’), Thatcherism (‘Town Called Malice’), the Falklands War (‘How Does it Feel’) and the Cold War (‘Two Tribes’). Beginning with the song itself, the seminars will consider the lyrics, artwork and artists. Attention will then turn to the wider historical context, before we explore to what extent (youth) culture and popular music may function as both historical resource and political space.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching is by eight two-hour seminars over one term. Students are reminded to email their tutors for help and advice whenever needed and to note office hours.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		16
Tutorials		10
Guided independent study:		74
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written exam 50% 

one 1-hour unseen paper requiring 1 answer

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignment 50%:

1 written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted once via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Any element which is re-sat in August is capped at 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the last Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019