You will study six core modules:
People and Places in the West Midlands c. 1000-1500
This module studies aspects of West Midlands social, cultural and economic history during medieval times. Subjects include rural and urban settlements, castles and fortifications; the Black Death, social hierarchies and divisions, religion, standards of living, crime and the transition from feudalism to capitalism.
Reformation, Social Change and Civil War: The West Midlands in the 16th and 17th Centuries
This module will allow you to explore the Reformation of the sixteenth century and its impact on counties and towns. This will be followed by the study of the English Civil War and its significance. Aspects of the material culture of the region will also be considered.
Transforming the Region: Economy, Society and Politics in the West Midlands in the 18th and 19th Centuries
This module explores the history of the West Midlands in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by focussing on the economic, political, social and cultural history of areas such as Birmingham, the Black Country, the Ironbridge Gorge, the Potteries and Wyre Forest. Social history themes include anti-slavery and the history of women and children.
Turmoil and Change: Economy, Society and Politics in the West Midlands in the 20th century
Some of the themes are: the changes that have taken place in the region's communities during the century; the regional economy, urban growth, housing, politics, migration women and education.
Sources and Research Techniques for the History of the West Midlands in the Medieval and Early Modern Periods and Sources and Research Techniques for the History of the West Midlands in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries
The aim of these two modules is to explore the range of archival, visual and printed sources available for local study and consider different approaches to historical study. They will also help in developing skills which are helpful for working on your dissertation. One of these modules is taught each year. Each module includes a full-day field trip.
Please note that the optional modules listed on the website for this programme are intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.