This course will examine Britain's history after World War II, with particular attention to finding ways to understanding recent events including the changing constitutional situation, the "Brexit" referendum, and contemporary party politics and culture. We will look at a long history which includes the Cold War, the 1960s, the Conservative resurgence of the late 1970s and the era of Thatcherism as well as the Blair/Brown years into more recent history. In the present time of rapid change and indeed crisis, we will try to build a deeper understanding of how we got here.
Special attention will be paid to:
the diverse experiences of war;
the development of a "welfare state" and subsequent challenges thereto;
Britain's relationship to empire, commonwealth, Europe, and the world;
popular movements of protest and change;
the influence of American culture on Britain;
demographic diversity and change;
ongoing political and cultural debates about class, education, the media, sexuality and gender roles,
In addition, we will look at the circumstances and effects of challenges to Britishness, from Northern Ireland to contemporary Scotland.
Course material will predominantly consist of fiction, film, and memoirs, along with some analytical writings, in order to more fully explore the complexity of history as it is understood by participants and represented in a variety of forms.
Course Requirements:
A series of short papers and extensive classroom discussion
Intended Audience:
History majors and minors of all kinds are welcome, but in addition, this course may appeal to students in literature, film, art and art history, and politics and international studies. No background knowledge.
Class Format:
Mini-lecture and discussion