HS3SEU-Eugenics from 1865 to the Present Day

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof David Stack
Email: d.a.stack@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores the history of eugenics from 1865 through to the present day. Eugenics is one of the most important, but least well understood, movements of the modern era. At its heart lay a desire to evaluate humans by dividing them into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stock, but the specific forms this took varied over time and by nation. The module will explore these differences and provide a comparative perspective on the history of eugenics.

Aims:

Specials aim to provide 'hands-on' experience of the historian's task through close examination and evaluation of primary sources and the light they shed on issues and problems.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• undertake detailed textual and visual analysis and comment on the primary materials


• achieve a detailed command of varying historical interpretations of the primary materials and subject as a whole


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing under timed conditions


• recognise and interpret a wide range of different primary materials


• locate and assemble information on the subject by independent research


• deploy primary materials to shed light on the issues and problems being studied

Additional outcomes:

This module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student’s effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:

This module explores the history of eugenics from its birth in nineteenth century Britain, through its phenomenal popularity in the first half of the twentieth century, and its ‘secret’ history post-1945. The primary focus is on Britain, but eugenics can only be fully understood comparatively and as a global phenomenon, and this means that we also explore aspects of eugenics in continental Europe, the United Sates, and other regions. Key topics we will cover will include: the thought of Francis Galton, the ‘founder’ of eugenics; the work of the Eugenics Education Society; the passage of the Mental Deficiency Act (1913); the impact of World War One on eugenics; the inter-war campaigns for sterilisation’ the work of International Eugenics Congresses; and the relationship between eugenics and the Church. Alongside these topics, the key questions and concepts we will study will include: What was the scientific status of eugenics? Was it a doctrine of the political left or of the right? Why did eugenics appeal to so many women and feminists? What was the relationship between eugenics and racism? Making use of a range of primary sources, we will also ask a range of historiographical questions centred on the problem of how best to study eugenics: Intellectually, as a science or ideology, and through the writings of key figures? Sociologically, through the class composition of its supporters? Comparatively, through differing national experiences? Or from the standpoint of the victims of eugenics? Finally, the module culminates in a consideration of post-war eugenics, in Britain and beyond, and considers the continuing influence of eugenic thought in the twenty-first century.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• The teaching for this module involves weekly two-hour discussion seminars.


• Students will gain ‘hands-on’ experience of the historian’s task through the detailed evaluations of key texts, objects, and images, and the light they shed on the issues and problems being investigated.


• Students will be required to prepare for seminars through reading from both the primary sources and the secondary literature.


• Students are expected to carry out self-directed revision in the summer term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary.