Module Information

Special Subjects provide third-year students with an opportunity to study a particular period in great depth and partly on the basis of primary sources. They are intensively taught, and particularly high standards of precision, creativity and knowledge are expected from students. Together with the dissertation and the general historical problems module, they provide final-year students with an opportunity to demonstrate the maturation of their historical and other skills and of their intellectual sensitivity. The range of special subjects reflects the range of teaching and research interests on the part of departmental staff. As in other core courses, a wide choice of periods and approaches is made available.

This module will utilize a broad range of fascinating primary sources to explore the distinctive history of this captivating decade. Initial sessions will consider the broader antecedents of changes during the decade, historical youth movements, challenges to the political and ideological status quo, avant garde art movements, literary and popular musical trajectories etc and their impact. Subsequent seminars will focus on various aspects of the cultural revolution identifying key figures events and ideas, all the while trying to ascertain the real depth and impact of these events and processes. Topics will include the role of London, the various influences emanating from the USA, contrasting political cultures, the economic genesis and impact of cultural changes, shifting gender relations, the regional impact of cultural changes. The final seminars will question the impact of high profile, media sensitive events upon the progress of 'ordinary' life throughout Britain, and consider the lasting legacies which came from the so-called Swinging Sixties, including perhaps the reactionary changes of the 1980s.