Course Catalogue

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With a focus on England and Scotland since the outbreak of the first world war, this course seeks to develop both historical and transferable skills building on the analytical and conceptual experience gained in Level 1 classes. The course provides a basis for understanding the economic and social position of contemporary Britain, including the effects of two World Wars on economic and social trends, the difficulties created by the international depression of the inter-war years, and the main economic and social patterns in Britain since World War II.

Lectures: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 3pm.

Seminars: weekly, including two sessions on the oral history project.

20 credits at D or above in one Level 1 course in Economic & Social History, History (Arts), or Economics.

One essay (30%)

One oral history project (20%)

One exam (50%)

NB reassessment is not available for the oral history project

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

With a focus on England and Scotland since the outbreak of World War 1, the course seeks to develop both historical and transferable skills building on the analytical and conceptual experience gained in Level 1 classes. The course provides a background for understanding the economic and social position of contemporary Britain, including the effects of two World Wars on economic and social trends, the difficulties created by the international depression of the inter-war years, the main economic and social patterns in Britain since World War II. The course helps to develop students' confidence in the selection and analysis of information, their skills in presenting reasoned arguments backed by the use of relevant and convincing evidence, and their written skills in essays and examinations. Students will also be introduced to the concept and methods of oral history.

By the end of the course, students should be able to understand and participate in the debates on key areas of economic and social change in the UK with special reference to:

1. The effect of war on economic and social developments

1. The diverse explanations for growth and fluctuations in the economy

1. The changing nature of capital and business

1. The place of Scotland within the UK economy

1. The motives, scale and impact of government activity in the economy and social welfare

1. The nature of the workforce and the reasons for social unrest

1. The main factors affecting the living standards of the people at different periods

1. The changing social and economic condition of women and immigrant groups.

Students are expected to maintain a good attendance record, to complete the required coursework, and to sit the final degree exam.