HS1WWH-War, White Heat, and the Winds of Change: Britain's Twentieth Century

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 Natalie Thomlinson
Email: n.thomlinson@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Prof Matthew Worley
Email: m.worley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

It examines British history between 1919 and 1997 through a variety of lenses. The objective will be to study British history from both ‘above’ and ‘below’, examining how social change impacted on politics and society, and how socio-economic developments helped transform culture and politics. Throughout, the module will explore the contested nature of British history, highlighting competing narratives and interpretations. This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY.

Aims:

This module will examine the history of Britain between 1918 and 1997, and will give students:

1. A thorough understanding of the key events of modern British history between these dates, examined through a variety of lenses, such as politics, gender, and race.


2. An appreciation of the ways in which historical events are experienced differently by different groups of people, and how this impacts on how historical narratives are constructed. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• identify the sources of the topic in question


• trace its historical development


• be aware of the differing – and often competing – historiographical interpretations of the nature 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 in timed exam conditions and 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 traces key themes in the making of modern of Britain. Between 1918 and 1997, the UK went through much transformation, in politics (expanding democracy, war, decolonisation and European Union), economics (the advent of social democracy, deindustrialisation and Thatcherism), society (class, gender, sexuality and race relations) and culture (media, youth and technology). Each week, the module adopts a different lens through which to explore the history of twentieth century Britain – high politics, global relations, race, gender, class, culture, youth, and sexuality – and asks students to think about how the history of modern Britain looks different according to the prism through which we see it. By exploring these themes, it is hoped that students will gain a grasp of British histories, recognising divergent and overlapping strands in the country’s journey towards the twenty-first century.       

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	17
Tutorials	1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	16
Exam revision/preparation	25
Preparation for seminars	8
Completion of formative assessment tasks	8
Essay preparation	25
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:

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 third 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: 4 September 2023