Sex and the social order: Creative approaches to teaching the history of gender and sexuality in modern Britain

Harrison, Laura; Wallis, Rose; Evans, Alexis; Everall, Libby

Abstract

As History researchers and teachers, we want our students to discover the excitement that can be found in original historical research, and in how this research can be used to make a difference in and with our communities. Teaching, research, and public engagement are intertwined in this approach, creating a classroom environment that opens up intellectual and emotional room for creativity and curiosity, letting students come to important questions and conclusions on their own. This article concentrates on one example of this method of teaching; a module for second-year History students at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE): ‘Sex and The Social Order: Gender and Sexuality in Modern Britain’. It reflects on the space we have attempted to create for students to engage imaginatively and creatively with History, with a focus on producing original research outputs, and creating a community of researchers among our students.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 6, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jan 16, 2025
• Journal: History: The Journal of the Historical Association
• Print ISSN: 0018-2648
• Electronic ISSN: 1468-229X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: pedagogy; creativity; history; gender; sexuality
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13621523