Short course
The Challenges of War in Britain, 1914-1918
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
10/11/2026 - 08/12/202614:00 - 16:00
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£190.00
Unprecedented government control, propaganda and censorship, demanding work in munition factories, food rationing, limits on personal freedom, enemy attacks on home soil, all these were features of life in Britain during the First World War. For many people war was a liberating experience, for others it meant deprivation, sacrifice and hardship. War brought the old order to an end as class barriers were broken, and opportunities for many, especially women, widened. Attitudes fluctuated from wholehearted patriotism to disillusionment as exemplified by explicit portrayals of the realities of war in art and literature. This course will provide an overview of the many social, economic and political changes that occurred within Britain during the First World War, concluding with reflections on how the traumas and legacy of that war came to be commemorated.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Tuesday 10 November 2026
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Tuesdays, 2.00-4.00pm.
Week 1: Challenges to government and society
Week 2: Life on the home front
Week 3: Patriotism and pacifism
Week 4: Literature and art
Week 5: War and memory
Course aims
To understand the impact of the First World War on British society and to appreciate the extent to which people’s lives changed as a result
Course objectives
1. Study and evaluate the broad changes within British society during the First World War
2. Understand how specific policies affected particular groups within British society
3. Develop a range of historical skills through the evaluation of primary sources, analysis of historical interpretations and critical class discussion.
Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate an overall understanding of the key social, economic and political changes within Britain during the First World War
2. Analyse and explain the specific effects of war on particular groups within British society
3. Compare, evaluate and interpret a range of source materials in order to develop and support historical arguments.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods will include: tutor’s presentation with PowerPoint slides, controlled class discussion, small group discussions and plenary sessions, and debates. Each session will include some analysis of historical documents. Teaching will involve the use of a range of visual sources as well as reference to primary and secondary sources
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Mrs Annette Mayer
Annette Mayer is a Senior Associate Tutor in History at OUDCE. She teaches modern British History and is the author of two books, The Growth of Democracy in Britain, and Women in Britain 1900 – 2000 published by Hodder & Stoughton
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £190.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- Testament of Youth / Brittain, Vera
- The Last Great War British Society and the First World War / Gregory, Adrian
- Britain and World War One / Simmonds, Alan
Module code: O26P404HIW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.