ENG2502 – British History
Course content
In this course, we study British history within the framework of one out of three centuries: the 18th, 19th or 20th century. A main aim of the course is to train the students in the historical approach, assessing relationships of cause-and-effect in the past, and the question of change versus continuity. Independently of which of the three centuries we address, therefore, we ask ourselves the overall question: to what extent was the British society that emerged at the end of the century a different one from that of a hundred years before? The course will offer a combination of general history within the period covered, and focus on a theme of particular relevance to the century under investigation. Both the century addressed, and the specific theme emphasised, may therefore vary with each offering of the course.
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Semester topic for Autumn 2025: Twentieth Century British History
In this course, we will study the major political, economic, social, and cultural developments in twentieth-century British history. This was a period of momentous change, and the British society that emerged at the end of the century was radically different to that of a hundred years prior. The political system which had held sway in Victorian Britain underwent profound change throughout the twentieth century, and there was the emergence of truly mass, democratic politics. Britain had to come to terms with no longer being the world’s economic superpower and the loss of its Empire, with decolonization and migration reshaping British politics, society and culture. Britain endured two World Wars, each of which affected society in a multitude of ways. Traditional modes of behaviour also broke down, with the coming of the ‘permissive society’ and the ‘Swinging Sixties’.
On this course, we will explore all of these developments, but we will also emphasize a key historic theme: the ways in which Empire and decolonization shaped British society.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- have an understanding of, and insight into central developments in British society over the course of one out of three centuries, the 18th, 19th or 20th century
- can critically engage with historical theories and models used to explain historical events within the context of one century in British history, including theories of cause and effect
- can analyse the historical question of change versus continuity over the period of c. 100 years of British history
- will be able to apply knowledge and communicate informed opinions about British history, employing historical arguments and uses of evidence
- can analyse a specific historical theme as raised within the context of one out three centuries in British history
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
ENG1505 – British Civilisation
Teaching
Seminars, 2?hours per week for 10 weeks.?20 hours in all.
You are expected to turn up prepared for the seminar, having covered the assigned reading for each session, and any exercises you?have been asked to work on in advance.
Obligatory activities:
- A?first draft of the term paper?turned in by a stated deadline.?Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements. Information about?guidelines for obligatory activities.
- It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 6 of 10 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for?special needs accommodations.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester for you to sit the exam. Fulfilled course requirements are only valid the semester you attend the course.
Examination
The final grade is set on the basis of a written term paper (5 standard pages à 2,300 characters, 60% of the grade) and a written exam (2 hours, 40% of the grade).
It is required to pass both parts of the exam individually, and you have to take both parts in the same semester.
Examination support material
Written exam: no examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
For those who want to retake their exam: Since this exam includes a term paper, you must follow the classes and write a new paper in order to qualify. Admission depends on capacity.
If it`s just the written exam you have missed because of illness, it is possible to apply for a postponed exam. Please contact the exam consultant for more information.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.