Working Class Communities in the UK 1900-1970

Overview

The course examines the nature and history of urban working class community in Britain and Northern Ireland from 1900 to 1970. It takes a history from below approach to the study of these communities. The focus of the course will be on everyday life and, as such, students will encounter a range of primary sources that can best be studied using an interdisciplinary approach. These sources will include film, novels, autobiographies, oral history and more traditional historical materials. Themes to be addressed will include poverty and affluence, family relations, leisure and work, housing and the changing nature of working class community, gender, and youth.

Learning Objectives

Increased ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature of working class communities. Enhanced ability to critically evaluate historical issues and problems in this field. Increased ability to discuss key historiographical debates relating to this module. Enhanced ability to prepare written analyses of a primary source that draws upon key secondary literature. Increased ability to gather and synthesise material.

Skills

Enhanced ability to think critically, reason logically and evaluate evidence. Further developed written and communication skills. Increased critical appraisal of and engagement with historical sources.Enhanced ability to make effective use of a range of sources, including oral history interviews.

Assessment

None.