HS1ABR-Arriving in Britain: a History of Immigration, 1685-2004

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Daniel Renshaw
Email: d.g.renshaw@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines immigration to Britain from the seventeenth to the twenty-first century, considering the experiences of different groups of immigrants, and the ways in which immigration has been perceived from several historical perspectives. This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to obtain an understanding of the character and impact of immigration into Britain from the late seventeenth century to the expansion of the EU in 2004, with a special focus on the place of the migrants in the host society and the latter’s response to them.

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:

This module will examine immigration to Britain from the arrival of French Protestants escaping religious persecution in the seventeenth century to the journeys of migrants from across Europe following the expansion of the EU in 2004. Over the course of the term we will examine ideas of difference, diaspora, belonging and exclusion, how migrants have historically been viewed by a host society and how migrants have viewed their own place within that society. Does Britain really deserve its reputation as a tolerant country? How have different groups, religious organisations, political pressure groups, and trade unions, responded to the demographic changes following migration? From Irish migrants travelling from a Famine-stricken homeland to Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe leaving behind pogroms and discrimination, to children fleeing from fascism in the 1930s and arrivals from the New Commonwealth after 1945, modern Britain has been shaped by migration. Using a range of primary and secondary materials, including newspapers, pamphlets, oral histories, autobiographies, music and film, the module will address how and why this was the case.

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	0	0
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:

One written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard. Five marks will be deducted if the coursework exceeds 1,312 words (i.e. 5% over the word limit).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the last Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023