This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
War has often been seen as a catalyst for change. This module will examine how far this was true of politics, society, culture and the economy in Britain in the Second World War. The module will draw on a wide range of primary sources: Parliamentary debates, contemporary writings, including those of J B Priestley, cartoons, diaries, and personal memoirs. In order to increase familiarity with primary sources students will complete a compulsory document question as part of their Coursework. By the end of the module students should be able to discuss with authority the varying interpretations of the impact of the war. They will also have experienced the different approaches of political, social, cultural and economic historians, and this should provide a basis for choice of modules in Stage 2.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Autumn Term
Archive Exercise (1,000 words) 30%
Essay (2,000 words) 70%
The Archive Exercise is a group activity.
Spring Term
Archive Exercise (500 words) 15%
Essay (1,500 words) 35%
Examination (2 hours) 50%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate knowledge of the events and themes in the history of the British Home Front.
2 Show knowledge of key historical debates related to the British Home Front;
3 Express their own opinion substantiated with historical evidence, which they can communicate using a variety of methods.
4 Demonstrate independent learning skills by being able to make use of a wide range of electronic resources, including the university's e-journals, Mass Observation online, Moodle and Turnitin.
5 Examine and evaluate primary sources, whether texts or images, and understand their context, strengths and limitations, and values.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Consider critically relevant intellectual concepts as well as differences of opinion and interpretation both amongst historians, and they will also have developed their ability to identify and solve problems
2 Work both independently and within groups. Students will have engaged in independent work, using library resources, and will have practised and improved their skills in time management, historical research, organisation and analysis of material, presentations and essay writing.
3 Demonstrate the skill to communicate complex concepts effectively through written work. They will have acquired the ability to further develop skills they have already gained, which will be of use to them in future study or occupations.
4 Deploy their enhanced communication skills and skills with IT.
5 Present information creatively and accessibly.
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