Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject will begin with a general discussion of `cultural history': of its recent development in relationship to social and political history on the one hand, and of the new theories about language, texts and discourse offered by `post-structuralists', especially Foucault, on the other. It will then focus on a number of major periods and problems which have been the subject of interest to European cultural historians, including the French Revolution and the development of nationalism and imperialism. Changing ideas about sexual difference and the cultural constructions of gender will have a central place in the subject, which will explore the importance of gender in ideas about citizenship and politics as well as in regard to the family. New ideas and approaches to the development of public and private spheres; the changing meaning of work; the history of sexuality and of the body will all be explored. The subject will involve the close reading of some contemporary texts.
Assessment Two essays (total 4000 words): 60% + Examination (2 hours): 40%