Module manager: To be confirmed
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Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module studies the workings of politics, society and culture during the high Victorian age (c.1867-1901), a period in which there was both remarkable change and continuity. In many ways, life in the England of 1900 was unrecognisable compared to 1850; more citizens could vote than ever before; the British empire had expanded and shifted; government was no longer the exclusive preserve of the traditional aristocracy; and the state intervened in and affected ordinary people’s lives in new and fundamental ways. Crucial changes in areas of life like education, work, leisure, and health had altered people’s daily experiences, ideals and expectations. But as well as being a period of significant change, in some areas of life continuity prevailed. In comparison to its global counterparts, politically England (and Britain) appeared relatively stable; wealth and power was still distributed amongst the very few and traditional deference and hierarchies continued to influence social and cultural experiences and interactions. By examining prominent events and features of the period, you will examine and reflect on these processes of continuity and change and consider the society, politics and culture of late Victorian England. Content note: this module engages with a range of issues relating to the social, political, ideological and cultural history of Victorian England and the identities, experiences, beliefs, assumptions, and attitudes of people in the past. To discuss these themes effectively it is necessary for us to read/look at/discuss material which covers some topics which may be challenging for you. These sensitive topics include sexism, homophobia, and misogyny; classism; racism and xenophobia; religious intolerance; death and dying including infant mortality; medical treatments and procedures; pornography and 'indecency'. We will, of course, endeavour to treat these sensitively in class, but if you know that it will be unsettling for you to encounter this content then please make teaching staff aware of this so that we can identify the best way to support you through this part of the module. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to key aspects of the social, political and cultural history of later Victorian England (c.1867-1901) to enable you to understand the major themes and trends relating to life in England in the second half of the nineteenth century. Through the study of prominent events and features of the period, you will examine and reflect on the processes of continuity and change and consider the relationship between various groups and interests both at home and between England and the wider world.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically assess the major themes and trends in the social, political and cultural history of later Victorian England.
2. Discuss the relationship between social, cultural and political change in later Victorian society.
3. Evaluate the concepts of continuity and change over time.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Interpret, analyse and contextualise written and visual historical primary sources.
5. Apply fundamental standards and practices of historical study for research, discussion, and assessed work.
6. Effectively communicate complex historical arguments supported by appropriate evidence.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You may submit a formative plan mid-semester for their source analysis coursework for which you will receive formative written feedback. You may submit a draft thesis statement and indicative bibliography for your assessed essay towards the end of the semester which will be discussed in a brief feedback meeting.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Source analysis | 40 |
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team