This course explores censorship within Western culture over the past millennium. It combines a variety of methodological approaches in an attempt to address its complex, multifarious nature. Accounts of the systemic nature of censorship in medieval England, Francoist Spain and the USSR, will be complemented by an analysis of Freud's work on taboo and self-censorship in contemporary European societies.

2x1hr seminars per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Honours options in SMLC/History/CEES and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Written Assignment (800 words) - 30%

■ Essay (3000 words) - 70%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the written assignment or essay, but an extension to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 

This course aims to:

■ investigate aspects of the phenomenon of censorship in Western culture over the past millennium;

■ analyse the differences and similarities between official censorship practices in Western countries;

■ explore the notions of self-censorship and taboos in modern Western society;

■ develop, through the written assignment and class discussion, skills that are both important in their own right and are also transferable, notably independent critical thinking and judgement, the ability to assimilate, analyse and compare unfamiliar/difficult material, solve problems, produce assignments, organise time, learn independently, argue coherently, and handle detail without losing sight of general perspectives.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain and evaluate the rationale behind censorship practices in a number of different political systems and cultures at different times;

■ trace continuities in and evaluate the consequences of differences between those practices;

■ assess the influence of censorship upon political discourse, social communication, and works of art;

■ assess the impact of taboos and self-censorship within Western society;

■ produce well-researched, cogently argued written assignments, employing critical skills developed during the course.