Module Identifier HY31520  
Module Title CLASS AND CULTURE: SOCIETY IN BRITAIN 1800 - 1990  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Richard G Coopey  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Alice Russell, Professor William D Rubinstein  
Mutually Exclusive HY31420 , HY31720  
Course delivery Lecture   18 Hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   4 Hours 2 x 2 hours  
Assessment Semester Exam   2 Hours   70%  
  Semester Assessment   Essay: 2 x 2,500 word essays   30%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be:

a) Familiar with a body of historical knowledge in the field of British social and economic history. In particular students will confront and critically assess the idea of class, in the context of British history since 1800, and be aware of the debates surrounding class and culture. Students will familiar with a range of thematic developments including the history of sport and leisure, political and institutional representation, the nature of the "ruling class" in Britain and the extent and effect of regionality and multi-cultural change in the post-war period.
b) Familiar with comparative perspectives on the history of class and culture, both between Britain and other countries during this period, and between different classes and regions within Britain.
c) Able to read, analyse and reflect critically on secondary and primary texts
d) Able to gather and sift appropriate items of historical evidence
e) Able to work both independently and collaboratively, and to participate in group discussions (not assessed)

Brief description

This survey module will introduce students to major issues and debates surrounding the social and economic history of Britain since 1800. Four key themes have been selected in order to give a balanced view of some of the principal developemnts during the period. These themes - elites, working classes, leaisure and society, and gender - are in many ways complementary and will combine to map the contours of change, its origins and effects. Students will also gain an understanding of the various methodologies employed in social and economic history, and the ways in which these have evolved.