Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

This course explores the global impact of economic phenomena and social change in global economies from the First World War to the present day. It introduces students to major themes including the causes of economic growth and recession, the sources of social change, and the impact of war on society and the economy in an international framework.

The course charts the key events of the inter-war period and explores the prolonged boom and key societal changes following the Second World War. The course then explores the impact(s) of globalisation and looks at developing nations and environmental concerns in the later decades of the 20th century.

The emphasis on contemporary and international history enables students to understand the experience of their own society and economy more fully in the light of global and long-term trends. They will also be introduced to primary sources which are the basis for all historical knowledge.

Although the course content and assessment aim to support progression in the subject and maps on to some of the content and themes covered in Economic and Social History 1A, Economic and Social History 1B has been designed to appeal as a stand-alone course.

Lectures: 25 lectures over the course of 10 weeks, allowing one week for Advising Ladder/Reading Week. Lectures are 50 minutes long and take place 3 times a week.

Tutorials: 9 one-hour tutorials over the course of 10 weeks, allowing one week for Advising Ladder Week/Reading Week

None

■ Two pieces of written assessment, each totalling 1,500 words (+/- 10%), not including references (35% weighting each).

■ Assessments will comprise a mix of source-based assignments, essays and/or reports

■ One piece of written assessment, totalling 1,000 words (+/- 10%), not including references (30% weighting)

■ Assessment will be reflective in nature

This course aims to introduce students to the broad themes and key events of globalisation within the 20th and early 21st century. In doing so, this course will introduce students to the scholarly debate and the changing historical explanations of economic and social change and development from 1914 to c. 2008. Additionally, this course aims to support students in fostering key skills within the study of history, including the ability to distinguish between historical evidence (primary sources) and the historiography (secondary literature). The course also aims to support development of critical analysis skills, including the ability to examine and interpret arguments in historical evidence and historiography.

By the end of the course, both in their written work and in tutorial discussion, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main features of economic and social change from 1914 to c. 2008, drawing connections between national and international themes;

2. Evaluate the main themes and issues in economic and social history from 1914 to c. 2008, with reference to key historiographical debates;

3. Identify and analyse the intersections of themes such as socio-economic class, race and ethnicity, and sex and gender in discussions of economic and social change and development;

4. Apply analytical and critical skills to the discussion and interpretation of primary historical sources;

5. Demonstrate the ability to formulate clear and concise argument, building on effective communication skills;

6. Develop a reflective approach to learning and identify attainment of skills suited to a University Level 1 course.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.