History
Making Modern Britain: Politics, Society, and Identity, 1850–1914
A history course on Britain’s political, social and cultural transformation from 1850 to 1914, taught through talks and discussion for learners at all levels.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course examines how democratic politics, industrialisation and urbanisation changed Britain before the First World War. It considers class relations, social reform, labour movements, women’s activism and suffrage, religion, popular culture and mass media. The influence of the British Empire on domestic society is set alongside changing ideas of Britishness, nationalism and identity. Teaching combines tutor-led talks with group discussion. Participants are encouraged to consider the material critically, share perspectives and explore differing views in a constructive setting.
What you'll learn
- Describe major political, social and cultural developments in Britain between 1850 and 1914.
- Explain how industrialisation and urbanisation altered working and living conditions.
- Analyse the influence of class, gender and empire on identity and everyday life.
- Discuss the development of mass politics and popular culture in the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
- Evaluate how developments between 1850 and 1914 contributed to modern Britain.
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for newcomers to the subject as well as learners with some background knowledge. A good grasp of English is needed, and participation includes listening to and discussing differing views about potentially sensitive topics in a respectful way.
- Suitable for learners approaching the subject for the first time.
- Requires a good grasp of English to follow the course.
- Includes group and class discussion of sensitive historical and social issues.
Before you go
- There are no extra costs for the course.
- A notebook or electronic device may be useful for taking notes.