This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
‘Best of Enemies: Images of Britain and France in the 19th and 20th Centuries’ is a Modern History module which explores Anglo-French perceptions of each other in the 19th and 20th centuries, using primary texts, historical studies and a variety of visual materials including art-works, monuments, photographs, cartoons, posters and other documents. The module compares historical evidence with changing stereotypes and popular conceptions of national identities and cross-Channel alliances and competition.
Total study hours 300. The module will be taught by means of a weekly two-hour seminar (20 hours in total, excluding reading weeks).
Spring Term, Paris
5000-word essay
R. Tombs & I. Tombs, That Sweet Enemy: Britain and France. The History of Love-Hate Relationship (2008)
A Capet (ed), Britain, France and the Entente Cordial Since 1904 (2006)
E. Greenhaigh, Victory Through Coalition. Britain and France during the First World War (2010)
A. Horne, Friend or Foe: An Anglo-Saxon History of France (2005)
C. Smith, England’s Last War Against France: Fighting Vichy 1940-42 (2009)
N Cull, D Culbert & D Welch, Propaganda and Mass Persuasion. A Historical Encyclopedia, 1500 to the Present (2003)
J Ellul, Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes (1965)
J Hawthorn (ed), Propaganda, Persuasion and Polemic (1987)
G Jowett & V O'Donnell, Propaganda and Persuasion (1992)
A Pratkavis & E Aronson, Age of Propaganda: The Everyday Use and Abuse of Persuasion (1991)
A Rhodes, Propaganda. The Art of Persuasion: World War II (1975)
C Roetter, Psychological Warfare (1974)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
• By taking this module, you will: • Enhance your historical and cultural knowledge • Develop your verbal communication skills through seminar discussions and presentations • Develop your written communication skills, including the structuring of an argument supported by textual evidence • Acquire experience of working in a group and of initiating and participating in group discussion of issues raised. • Enhance your ability to read critically, to interpret visual images, undertake independent research and make use of resources such as libraries and the internet. • Develop teamwork skills by collaborating with fellow students.
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