The cultural and social history of Britain in the 20th century, starting from the end of the First World War, will be explored in this subject. Students will study life in Britain during a fascinating period of deindustrialisation, war, consumer boom, the formation of the Welfare State, sexual revolution, and immigration from former British colonies. Weekly topics will include: working life, family, housing, consumption, leisure, and the end of empire. Through employing a range of primary source materials, including films, literature, images, and sociological surveys, students will explore how these themes were understood and represented at the time. Students will gain skills in primary source analysis, oral and written communication, and the critical use of a range of secondary literature on British social and cultural history. They will be encouraged to explore interdisciplinary approaches to British history, drawing on methods from literary studies, sociology, and geography.

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