A major theme in British historiography is the enormous social change that has taken place in Britain since the end of World War II. In the 1950s, sociologists argued about the extent to which postwar affluence was leading to the "embourgeoisement" of the working class; in the 1960s, the advent of the so-called "Permissive Society" witnessed the flourishing of a culture of sex, drugs, and rock `n roll; in the 1970s, the feminist movement challenged gender roles that earlier had seemed so secure; in the 1980s, Thatcherism sought to halt the nation's apparent terminal deadline, finally, throughout this period successive ways of immigration challenged the social and cultural homogeneity of white Britain. This course will explore these themes, tracing the break-up of the so-called "postwar consensus" and the gradual emergence of a new politics of class, gender, and sexuality in Britain. In attempting to make sense of these complex transformations, we will consider primary and secondary material, including a dozen feature films, which students will be expected to view outside of class. Format: discussion. Evaluation will be based on participation in class discussion, two 8- to 10-page interpretive essays, and a self-scheduled final exam. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 15-20). Open to all. Group B