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Social and political as well as literary histories have stressed that the year 1979, when Margaret Thatcher and her Conservative government came to power, marks a distinct caesura signaling the definite end of the post-war consensus. Thatcher's conviction was, in its most infamous phrasing, that 'there's no such thing as society': Her politics aimed at a radical restructuring of British economy and society, causing the eruption of a range of social conflicts such as the miners' strikes, an unprecedented inner city decline, race conflicts etc. This seminar seeks to cover a range of aesthetic responses to Thatcherism.
We will read David Lodge's, Nice Work (1988). Moreover, we will discuss the films MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE (UK 1985, Stephen Frears), PRIDE (UK 2014, Matthew Warchus) and a variety of protest songs. Further primary texts to be discussed will be announced in the first session. Bibliographic information will be distributed in class.
Please note that the sessions will take place on 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov, 20 Nov, 27 Nov, 4 Dec, 11, Dec (12 – 4 p.m.) |
