ENG2515 – Britain since 1945
Course description
Course content
In this course, the political, economic, and social aspects of contemporary British society will be studied in the light of developments since 1945. Britain’s relations with Europe and the rest of the world in the post war period will be examined and discussed, with a particular focus on the question of Britain’s role in the world, post-Empire.
Emphasis will also be placed on the development of British politics from 1979 to the present; focusing on the Thatcher period, New Labour and the recent Coalition government.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you have:
- an understanding of and insight into British postwar history and society.
- an overview of the development of politics in Britain since the second world war, with a particular focus on the period since Mrs Thatcher gained office in 1979.
Admission
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.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
It is strongly recommended that students take the survey course ENG1505 – British Civilisation, an introduction before they begin their study of Britain since 1945.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG4515 – Britain since 1945 (discontinued)
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.
Attendance is obligatory at least 8 out of 10 seminars. Read more about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for approved absences or postponements here.
Students must submit a first draft of the paper within a set due date. Feedback will be given.
During the semester, students will prepare one oral group presentation for the rest of the class.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester.
Examination
The exam consists of two parts:
- A term paper. You are required to write ca. 5 pages (+/- 10%).
- A 2-hour written exam at the end of the term.
A pass mark is required on both parts. Both exam parts have to be taken in the same semester. The exams will be graded separately with a combined final mark. The term paper counts towards 70% of the grade and the 2-hour exam counts towards 30%.
Previous exams and assessment guidelines
Written examination
The written examination is conducted in the digital examination system Inspera. You will need to familiarize yourself with the digital examination arrangements in Inspera.
Read more about written examinations using Inspera.
Submission in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read more about how to submit in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Examination support material
English-English dictionary
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.
Marks will be published on Studentweb no later than three weeks after the exam.
Explanations and appeals
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.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.