Aims

This module will survey the history of modern Britain, in a period from 1870 to the present. It will focus on political and social change over time, examining different perspectives of historians and their methodologies.

This modules aims:
• To impart a thorough understanding of the course and themes of modern British history (from the onset of modern democracy to the present).
• To provide an opportunity to acquire a sound knowledge of the subject, reading widely and critically in the primary and secondary literature associated with to and to develop the capacity for independent study.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will survey the history of modern Britain from the end of the Victorian era until the present. The focus will be on political and social developments over time.

Topics may include the following:

Section, 1870-1900 (semester weeks 1-3)

1.       The late Victorian economic system
2.       The ‘New Imperialism’ – Empire in the late Victorian age
3.       The Victorian state
4.       Victorian social values
5.       Party politics and representation
6.       Unity and division in the British state

Section, 1900-1918 (semester weeks 4-5)

1.       The emergence of state interest in social welfare and the economy
2.       Party politics in the era of the Progressive alliance
3.       Political and social divisions in Edwardian Britain
4.       Politics and society in the First World War

Section, 1918-1940 (semester weeks 6-8)

1.       The breakdown of liberal economics and the rise of intervention
2.       Politics in an era of mass democracy
3.       The rise of the duopoly – Conservative and Labour
4.       The decline of Liberal politics
5.       Social change in Inter-War Britain
6.       The climax of empire and decline

Section, 1940-1970 (semester weeks 9-10)

1.       The Second World War
2.       Politics during the era of Keynesianism
3.       The ‘permissive’ society
4.       End of world power status

Section, 1970-2015 (semester weeks 11-12)

1.       The end of post-war consensus
2.       Thatcherism
3.       ‘New Labour’, Blair and Brown
4.       The era of Coalition and beyond

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures impart core knowledge and an outline of knowledge that students are expected to acquire; they stimulate development of listening and note-taking skills.

Seminars encourage independent study and promote improvements in oral communication, problem-solving skills and adaptability. They allow students to develop and test their own ideas within the framework of understanding offered by the lectures.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam tests acquisition of a clear general knowledge of the subject plus the ability to think and analyse a problem
quickly, to select from and to apply both the general knowledge and detailed knowledge of aspects of the subject to new questions, problem-solving skills, adaptability, the ability to work unaided, and to write clearly and concisely.

Essays test acquisition of a clear general knowledge of the subject plus the ability to think and analyse a problem in detail, problem-solving skills, the ability to work unaided and to use references and write clearly and concisely. Also, the ability to compare and contrast related primary and secondary sources on a common subject is key.
The form of the resit is no different from the above, i.e. no marks are carried over from the sit to the resit. Students are not allowed to submit for the resit any work that they have previously submitted.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

All Erasmus students at Newcastle University are expected to do the same assessment as students registered for a degree.
Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. This will take the form of an alternative assessment, as outlined in the formats below:

Modules assessed by Coursework and Exam:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be one essay in addition to the other coursework assessment (the length of the essay should be adjusted in order to comply with the assessment tariff); to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Exam only:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be two 2,000 word written exercises; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Coursework only:
All semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be expected to complete the standard assessment for the module; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of week 12. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending the whole academic year or semester 2 are required to complete the standard assessment as set out in the MOF under all circumstances.