Britain and the Second World War (U01091)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-4-BSWW

This course, which is taught over two semesters, looks at selected aspects of Britain and the Second World War, with particular emphasis on the war in Europe. The work of the first semester will be mainly devoted to the home front. Topics covered include Britain's role in the outbreak of the war, Churchill's rise to power, the organisation of the war economy, relations between the social classes, the role of women, civilian morale, the Beveridge Report, and the 1945 general election. There will also be a discussion of a selection of contemporary British wartime films. The second semester will be mainly devoted to battles/military campaigns in which British forces played a prominent role. Topics covered include the British evacuation from Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of El Alamein, the strategic bombing offensive, D-Day, and Operation Market Garden. Other topics include Anglo-American wartime relations, Britain and the Jews of Europe, and Churchill's wartime leadership. Again, there will be a discussion of a selection of contemporary British wartime films.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : A pass in a third level historical course or equivalent.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 22 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/09/2007	09:00	10:50	Room 1.143, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

It is intended that students should obtain (a) an understanding of some of the principal areas of interest and debate relating to Britain's civilian and military experience of the Second World War (b) an insight into the range of sources from which the past is reconstructed (c) an opportunity to develop essay writing and oral skills.