HST6049 Policing the Family: Welfare, Eugenics and Love in early 20th century Britain
15 credits, Semester two
Module leader 2023-24: Julia Moses
Listed on MA Modern History, MA Historical Research
Module summary
This module explores key themes in the history of the family in Britain at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries from a variety of perspectives. It aims to show how the family became a site for political arguments about 'modernity', societal degeneration and hopes for the future at the fin-de-siècle. It draws on a wide range of recent historiography as well as sociological literature, and examines a range of sources including anthropological, sociological and legal material as well as literary fiction from the period.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, you will be able to:
Reflect on the relationship between societal change and social critiques in Britain
Develop their understanding of the historiographies of the family and experiences with 'modernity' in fin-de-siècle Britain
Develop skills in working with a variety of primary materials
Formulate and articulate historical arguments both orally, before the members of the seminar, and in written form in assessed work
Demonstrate interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in cooperative group learning in seminar discussions of interpretive issues
Show an awareness of the methodological possibilities and implications of various kinds of history and of interdisciplinary approaches to historical research
Demonstrate strong bibliographical skills in various media (including ICT)
Assessment methods
Assessment type - % of final mark
3000 word essay - 100%
You will complete a 3000 word essay on a topic related to one of the module's key themes. You will define your own essay topic in discussion with your tutor.
Additional learning and teaching information
Teaching and indicative seminar plan:
The module will be taught in five, two-hour classes. You will also have individual tutorial contact with the module tutor in order to discuss your assessment for this module.
Seminar themes will include: (1) Political arguments about the family; (2) Love and divorce (3) Love and homosexuality; (4) Infant mortality and birth rates (5) Eugenics.