58勛圖

MO3584 British roads to socialism? Left-wing political thought in Britain since 1945

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Standard restrictions for 3000-level modules in School of History will apply.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M R Petrie

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Malcolm Petrie

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines the development of left-wing political thought in Britain in the decades after 1945. It explores the ways in which left-wing political thinkers attempted to come to terms with broader social and economic shifts in Britain. Focusing on influential left-wing journals such as the Universities & Left Review, the New Reasoner, the New Left Review, Socialist Register, and Marxism Today, it asks students to consider the context in which left-wing ideas were developed and promoted in the second half of the twentieth century, and to assess their coherence and impact. The relationship between political ideas and electoral politics is core concern of the module.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

STANDARD PRE-REQUISITES FOR HONOURS STUDY WITHIN THE SCHOOL OF HISTORY APPLY.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 60% Exam = 40%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Weekly 2-hour seminar (x11 weeks).

Intended learning outcomes

  • Evaluate a range of primary sources, and to assess their historical relevance.
  • Engage critically with the historiography of the political left in Britain since 1945.
  • Present written arguments clearly and concisely.
  • Demonstrate their knowledge of political, social and economic developments in Britain since 1945 under timed exam conditions.