Brief description
This option module considers British history from the turn of the twentieth century until the fairly recent past (the fall of Margaret Thatcher). It will focus primarily on political developments but will, in addition, incoroporate social, economic and cultural change. The main theme of the module is the changing character of British politics throughout the twentieth century - its structures, discourse, political culture - and how these developments reflect, and in turn influence, other aspects of British society. Central to this theme are such topics as the evolution of a mass democracy, the impact of the two World Wars, Britain's search for an international post-war role, the development and downfall of a politics of concensus.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will have command over a body of historical knowledge in the field of twentieth-century British history. They will have an understanding of a variety of approaches in the interpretation of this period (political, social, cultural, etc) and will be encouraged to assess them in comparative perspective. They will have an ability to read, analyse and reflect critically on selected historical texts, to develop and sustain historical arguments and gather and sift appropriate items of historical evidence. They will have an ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to participate in group discussion.