Britain and the World 1930–2016

Course NameBritain and the World 1930–2016
Course CodeHIS328 / HIS528
DescriptionThis course engages with Britain as a global state in a non-traditional fashion. Departing from the conventional approach often used by historians – which requires ‘compartmentalizing’ the problem into discrete areas such as Britain as imperial and post-imperial power, Britain as a Cold War actor and Britain as a (reluctant) European partner – this course synthesizes these themes, allowing them to be evaluated comparatively and holistically. It also identifies less familiar themes, such as the way in which popular culture has played a role in recasting Britain’s global image. Finally, the course plays due attention to the impact of the wider world on Britain. In sum, it offers a comprehensive and critical appraisal of how a declining Great Power’s position in the world altered against a backdropof intense and rapid global and domestic change.
Learning OutcomesUpon completion of this course, students will be able to:
– Critically reflect on and evaluate changes and variety in terms of Britain’s global position from the 1930s and the establishment of the British Commonwealth to the Brexit referendum of 2016;
– Appreciate the multiplicity of Britain’s foreign relations and international position, and to be able to discuss issues including Britain and the Commonwealth, the European Union, soft power and cultural diplomacy, the Special Relationship and so on;
– Master advanced techniques in historical methodology, including collating, examining, analysing and theory-constructing using primary sources.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
LevelBachelor / Master
Number of credits (US / ECTS)3 US / 6 ECTS
PrerequisitesHIS103 / HIS600