History

Course summary

The course builds on your understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study that considers modern and early modern aspects and issues that include political, cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. This subject will further develop your historical skills and an understanding of the nature of History FIRST-YEAR COURSE CONTENT In the British study, The Transformation of Britain 1918-79, students will learn about the extent to which Britain was transformed politically, socially, economically and culturally in the years. The focus of the study is on changes and developments over a broad timescale, 1918–79. This option also contains an in-depth study of historical interpretations on a broad question, which considers what impact Thatcher’s governments had on Britain, 1979–97. The American study option comprises an in-depth study of the USA in the years 1955–92; from post-1945 affluence, through racial and political protests in the 1960s, to the rise of right-wing groups in the 1980s and the development of bitter divisions between Democrats and Republicans. Both units involve a separate examination to be sat in May/June of the academic year. SECOND-YEAR COURSE CONTENT This revisits the topics from the first year and extends to an additional Early Modern topic focused on The British Empire and also includes an open coursework aspect. Britain Losing and Gaining an Empire, 1763-1914, which comprises two parts: aspects in breadth, which focuses on long-term changes and contextualises the aspects in depth, which focuses in detail on key episodes. The topics explore the development of the British Empire and the part played in this by the Royal Navy and merchant marines, looking at social, economic and political issues. The purpose of the coursework is to enable students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. Students will be required to form a critical view based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. They will also be specifically required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians.