Britain & the Second World War B (V1346B)
Special Subject: Britain and the Second World War Part B
Module V1346B
Module details for 2021/22.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module focuses on the impact of the Second World War on British society and politics. We draw on contemporary sources throughout to illuminate historical debates, particularly the writings of ordinary people collected by Mass-Observation during the war.
In Part A we explore the idea of the ‘people’s war’, examining support for appeasement in the 1930s, events such as civilian evacuation, Dunkirk and the Blitz, and changing attitudes towards gender roles as women moved into the workplace. We look at the experiences of British combatants fighting abroad and the way in which the presence of Black American soldiers at home raised questions about race in British society. We also consider those who dissented from the popular narrative of a united Britain: the workers who went on strike, the black marketeers, and the conscientious objectors.
Part B examines the impact of the ‘people’s war’ on politics and reconstruction. We start with the Beveridge Report of 1942, the blueprint for the post-war welfare state, and move on to examine how an emphasis on ‘planning’ influenced a range of political and popular debates about the war economy, town planning, rural life, health, welfare and education. Finally we explore creativity and the arts in wartime, before ending the module with a study of the 1945 general election.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a detailed knowlege of a closely defined topic.
Construct sophisticated written arguments that demonstrate intellectual maturity and integrity.
Situate, evaluate and analyse primary historical sources.
Relate the interpretation of primary sources to secondary interpretations.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 50.00% |
| Coursework | 50.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T2 Week 7 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Tom Davies
Assess convenor
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Prof Hester Barron
Assess convenor, Convenor
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Dr Hana Qugana
Assess convenor
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