The British miners´ strike of 1984/85 was one of the biggest industrial
disputes in post-war British history. In an attempt to stop mining
closures and the loss of jobs, thousands of miners came out in protest
and went on strike for over a year. In the end, the miners were unable
to push through their demands and returned to the collieries in March
1985. This meant victory for Margaret Thatcher´s liberal reforms to
transform the economy and curb the influence of trade unions. Thus, it
was a decisive step in reshaping the British economy in the 1980s.
The
events have been recorded and commented on in a variety of sources:
Government documents, memoirs of protagonists, oral accounts by striking
miners, activists and politicians, and artistic interpretations such as
in novels, films and pop music. This course aims to develop critical
source analysis skills through the study of these diverse sources.
By
working on these sources, students will learn how to interpret and
analyse sources, work with scientific literature and present the results
of their analysis.
Please note: The course will be held in English
and literature will be provided in English. It requires an appropriate
level of language proficiency, especially in terms of reading
comprehension and conversation skills.
Please note: The course will
take place as a block seminar - Two introductory sessions on 19.10. and
26.10.2022, 4-6 pm (room 1.09.2.05); Three block sessions on Friday, 13
January (12.00-15.00); Saturday, 14 January (8 am - 4 pm); Sunday, 15
January (8 am - 4 pm) (Room 1.11.2.03). It is necessary to participate
in all block sessions.
- Kursleiter:in: Juliane Clegg