Our activities are aligned to fit with your curriculum and support your teaching in the classroom. If something doesn’t quite suit, or you have a specific request, please get in touch and we’ll work with you to develop an activity that meets your needs.
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We know it’s not always possible to bring your students out of the classroom to experience higher education, so we can bring the higher education experience to you. If you would like to arrange a bespoke visit to campus we can extend these talks into longer taster sessions.
From Beauty and the Beast to Little Red Riding Hood, animals play a prominent role in traditional fairy tales – sometimes representing what we most fear or desire. We consider the role of animals in Angela Carter’s rewritings of classic fairy tales in her collection, The Bloody Chamber. We discuss these tales in the context of feminism and discuss how Carter challenges traditional gender ideas. Linked modules • AQA-Writing about society (Into the Wild, The Suspicions of My Whicher/Murder at Road Hill House, The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner) • Cambridge Int-Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose • Pearson-Drama Texts • Pearson-Prose Fiction and other Genres • OCR-Linguistic analysis of authentic texts. • OCR-Original writing for a real-world purpose on a topical language issue. • OCR-Section A: Language under the microscope • Section B: Writing about a topical language issue • Section C: Comparing and contrasting texts.
The difference between descriptive and critical writing, & how to write critical paragraphs Linked modules • AQA-Critical commentary
One of the most important and empowering writing skills we can learn is to develop an argument in our essays, presentations and other pieces of work. Students explore what an argument is, how it helps to structure an entire piece of writing, and try their hand at turning their own thoughts about a work of literature into critical stances within wider debates. Linked modules • AQA-Methods of language analysis • OCR-Linguistic analysis of authentic texts. • OCR-Section A: Language under the microscope • Section B: Writing about a topical language issue • Section C: Comparing and contrasting texts.
In early folklore, vampires are represented as grotesque, corpse-like figures, mindlessly feeding on their victims. Absorbed into popular literature, the figure of the vampire has undergone many transformations, from aristocratic dandy to teenage heartthrob. What hasn’t changed is the vampire’s popularity. We consider what accounts for the enduring appeal of the literary vampire and ask how this versatile literary figure might be linked to a range of social and historical anxieties. Linked modules • AQA-Imagined worlds (Frankenstein, Dracula, Handmaids Tale, Lovely Bones)
From Goodbye to All That to Oh! What a Lovely War and Blackadder Goes Forth, World War One has had a profound effect on our culture. And poets, novelists and memoirists have played a major role in shaping our understanding of the war and its effects. We examine war poets such as Wilfred Owen and Edward Thomas and consider how modernist writers such as Ford Madox Ford, T S Eliot and Virginia Woolf responded to the conflict. Linked modules • AQA-Writing about society (Into the Wild, The Suspicions of My Whicher/Murder at Road Hill House, The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner) • Cambridge Int-Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose • OCR-Section A: Language under the microscope • Section B: Writing about a topical language issue • Section C: Comparing and contrasting texts.
Isn’t poetry outdated? Aren’t poets out of touch with the real world? From Popeye to the Simpsons and Cardi B, we explore examples of poets writing and using popular culture to create character and voice. Students critically and creatively analyse their position as readers of text and consider poets’ reasons for including popular culture in their work. Linked modules • AQA-Poetic voices (John Dronne, Robert Browning, Carol Ann Duffy, Seamus Heaney) • Cambridge Int-Drama and Poetry
Frankenstein is told through multiple male voices – Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature. The female characters play an important role but seem to occupy the margins of the narrative. We explore the representation of women in this novel, examining attitudes to gender and focus on the often-overlooked character of Safie. Linked modules • AQA-Imagined worlds (Frankenstein, Dracula, Handmaids Tale, Lovely Bones)
In the 19th century it was believed that women were particularly prone to mental illness. Students explore attitudes towards gender and madness in Victorian literature and culture. We consider how so-called madwomen are represented in the characters of Bertha Rochester in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, and Miss Havisham in Charles Dickens’, Great Expectations. We examine these characters and decide whether these women were mad, bad, or misunderstood. Linked modules • AQA-Writing about society (Into the Wild, The Suspicions of My Whicher/Murder at Road Hill House, The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner) • Cambridge Int-Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose • OCR-Linguistic analysis of authentic texts.
Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) is often seen as a feminist response to George Orwell’s classic dystopia Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). But why was such a response necessary? We place these texts into a historical context of 20th century dystopia fictions and their representations of women in particular. Students are invited to develop and challenge their critical thinking, while responding to a range of literary criticism on this topic. Linked modules • AQA-Imagined worlds (Frankenstein, Dracula, Handmaids Tale, Lovely Bones) • AQA-Writing about society (Into the Wild, The Suspicions of My Whicher/Murder at Road Hill House, The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner) • Pearson-Drama Texts • OCR-Language in the media.
Students examine the French Revolution through a case study of Napoleon Bonaparte, and his image. They explore how Napoleon forged not only an empire that dominated Europe, but also his own legend, as well as the impact of that legend on 19th century France. Students analyse these themes through a variety of different primary sources: both visual and textual. Linked modules • AQA- France in Revolution, 1774–1815 • Pearson- France in revolution, 1774–99 • WJEC- Europe In The Age Of Absolutism And Revolution C.1682-1815 • WJEC- France In Revolution C.1774-1815 Part 2: France: Republic And Napoleon C.1792-1815
We examine the changing nature of political power in 20th Century by looking at the personality cult around Josef Stalin and placing it in broader historical context. Students focus on images, and their interpretation as historical sources, as a way of best understanding the changes which occurred in this period of Russian history. Linked modules • AQA-Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964 • AQA- International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 • AQA- Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953 • AQA- The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000 • Pearson- Russia in revolution, 1894–1924 36 • Pearson- Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin • Pearson- The making of modern Russia, 1855–1991 • WJEC- Europe In An Age Of Conflict And Co-Operation C.1890-1991 • WJEC-Changing Leadership And Society In Russia C.1881-1989
This talk covers many of the main themes in modern US politics, by looking at what might possibly happen at the next US election. While this talk does not aim to predict the result (!) it does give students a sense of what to look out for in the coming years and months. Linked modules • AQA-Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics • Pearson-Comparative Politics • WJEC-Living and participating in a democracy • WJEC-Government and politics of the USA
We explore the 4th and 5th centuries BCE in Athens and Sparta. Topics include Homer and Epic, Ancient Greek poetry, drama, writing and philosophy, and Alexander the Great. Linked modules • OCR-The Politics and Society of Sparta, 478–404 BC • OCR-The Politics and Culture of Athens, c.460–399 BC • OCR-The Rise of Macedon, 359–323 BC
We explore the 4th and 5th centuries BCE in Athens and Sparta. Topics include Homer and Epic, Ancient Greek poetry, drama, writing and philosophy, and Alexander the Great. Linked Modules •OCR-The Breakdown of the Late Republic, 88–31 BC •OCR-The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC–AD 68 •OCR-The Flavians, AD 68–96 •OCR-Ruling Roman Britain, AD 43–c.128
We examine the nature of historical research, through a case study of a lecturer’s own research. -
Through a case study of the Irish border we explore the contours and controversies of modern Irish history. The session moves from the political, social and economic trends that led to the creation of the border from the 17th century onwards, to its creation in the 1920s, through to the Northern Irish Troubles and up to its uncertain status today. Key questions include... Why was Ireland partitioned? Could this have been avoided? Is a United Ireland a possibility in the future? Linked modules • AQA-The British Empire, c1857–1967 • AQA- Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957 • AQA-The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007 • Pearson-Britain transformed, 1918–1997. • Pearson-Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914. • Pearson-The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 Pearson-Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain, c1780–1928 • Pearson-Ireland and the Union, c. 1774–1923 • WJEC- Politics, People And Progress: Wales And England C.1880-1980 • WJEC- Politics And Society In Wales And England C.1900-1939 Part 1: Politics, Society And The War: Wales And England C.1900-1918 • WJEC- Politics And Society In Wales And England C.1900-1939 Part 2: Economic And Social Challenges In Wales And England, C.1918 – 1939
We examine the range of career paths open to students with a history degree. We dispel misconceptions discuss how a career in the humanities may help us meet future challenges as a society. Linked Modules
This session examines key elections in the United Kingdom in historical perspective. A history of the 1945, 1979, 1997 and 2024 elections can be discussed (or other post-1945 elections). The 1945 election brought about the Labour Party’s first majority government in British history, the reasons for their victory are discussed including: the swing to the left, Conservative failings, and Labour’s public relations. Secondly, the 1979 election will be investigated. This election marked the beginning of 18 years of Conservative rule within the United Kingdom and ushered in the age of Thatcherism. Thatcher’s manifesto commitments, alongside Labour’s policy failings, and the Winter of Discontent will each be examined. The 1997 election, which brought to an end the 18 years of Conservative Government, will be examined. This part of the session looks at the modernisation of the Labour Party, Labour’s ideological shift in the 1990s, New Labour, and the Conservative’s economic problems from 1992 onwards. Finally, the 2024 election is examined with parallels drawn from the previous studies. The study of each election allows students to become more familiar with academic and scholarly debates in history and politics. Linked Modules • AQA- Government and Politics of the UK • Pearson- UK Politics • Pearson- UK Government • WJEC- Government in Wales and the United Kingdom • WJEC- Living and Participating in a Democracy
Students examine a case study of women from the early modern period onwards, up to the present. Topics include Women and early modern queenship; Women and the early modern witchcraze, the French Revolution and early feminism; Women, sex and society, c. 1800-present; Women and the vote; Women, empire and nationalism in Ireland and India, c. 1880-1950; Women and politics, c. 1918-Present. Linked modules • AQA- Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885 • AQA-Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964 • AQA-France in Revolution, 1774–1815 • AQA-The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007 • AQA- Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957 • Pearson-France in revolution, 1774–99 • Pearson-Britain, c1785–c1870: democracy, protest and reform • Pearson-India, c1914–48: the road to independence • Pearson-Britain transformed, 1918–97 • Pearson-The witch craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750 86 • Pearson-Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society 88 • Pearson- Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780–1939a • Pearson-Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914 • Pearson-The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 • Pearson-Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain, c1780–1928 95 • Pearson-Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 • Pearson-The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality • Pearson-Mass media and social change in Britain, 1882–2004 • WJEC-Revolution And New Ideas In Europe C.1780-1881 • WJEC-Reform And Protest In Wales And England C.1783-1848 Part 1: Radicalism And The Fight For Parliamentary Reform C.1783-1832 • WJEC-Politics And Society In Wales And England C.1900-1939 Part 1: Politics, Society And The War: Wales And England C.1900-1918 • WJEC-France: Ancién Regime To Napoleon C. 1715-1815 • WJEC-Parliamentary Reform And Protest In Wales And England C. 1780-1885 • WJEC-Social Change And Reform In Wales And England C. 1890-1990 • WJEC-Reform And Protest In Wales And England C.1783-1848 Part 2: Protest And Campaigns For Social Reform C.1832-1848 • WJEC-Politics And Society In Wales And England C.1900-1939 Part 2: Economic And Social Challenges In Wales And England, C.1918 - 1939
This session investigates the education and employment backgrounds of MPs, Prime Ministers and other key figures within the United Kingdom. The session debates whether, in light of the information shared, Britain is a pluralist or elitist society. Participation and turnouts at UK elections are also discussed, alongside a quiz on local politics. Linked Modules • AQA- Government and Politics of the UK • Pearson- UK Politics • Pearson- UK Government • WJEC- Government in Wales and the United Kingdom • WJEC- Living and Participating in a Democracy
This session covers essential IR theories: Realism on power and anarchy, Liberalism on cooperation and institutions, Constructivism on ideas and identities, and Critical Theory on power structures and marginalised voices.
This is an interactive session, rather than a traditional lecture, and while it is delivered by a history and politics lecturer, it is suitable for all students studying at sixth form or college. In the wake of Netflix’s Adolesence- this topic is now more important than ever. Topics covered in this session include: Gender and sex; Feminism and misogyny; Masculinity and toxic masculinity; Myths about masculinity; Sexuality and objectification.
This talk looks at the nature of modern British politics, through a case study of the two main political parties for much of the 20th and 21st Centuries- the Labour and Conservative parties. Linked modules • AQA-Government and politics of the UK • Pearson-UK Politics and Core Political Ideas • Pearson-UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas • WJEC-Government in Wales and the United Kingdom • WJEC-Living and participating in a democracy
This session can be tailor made depending on requirements. This session can take a comparative look at political ideologies generally or may focus on a particular ideology. Case studies might include: the role of ideology in politics; liberalism; conservatism; socialism; nationalism; feminism; fascism; green political theory; anarchism; religion and politics, multi-culturalism, and secularism; theories of the state. • anarchism • religion and politics, multi-culturalism, and secularism. • theories of the state Linked modules • AQA-Political ideas • Pearson-UK Politics and Core Political Ideas • Pearson-UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas • Pearson-Comparative Politics • WJEC-Political concepts and theories
This session can be tailor made depending on requirements. This session can take a comparative look at different political movements or may focus on a particular political movement. Case studies might include: Depoliticisation; Civil society; Women’s rights; LGBTQ+ rights; Environmentalism and animal rights movement; Labour movement; Globalisation and its opponents. Linked modules • AQA-Government and politics of the UK • AQA-Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics • Pearson-UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas • Pearson-Comparative Politics • WJEC-Living and participating in a democracy
We explore the mid to late Roman republic up to the Flavian Dynasty. Topics include Roman art, architecture, poetry and writing. Linked Modules •Pearson- Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399-1509 •OCR- England, 1377-1455 •OCR- The Church and Medieval Heresy, c. 1100-1437 •WJEC- Wales: Resistance, Conquest and Rebellion, c. 1240-1415
We explore the historiography and historical debates around the Protestant reformation. This event represents a revolution in religion, but also in law, government, politics and society. It radically changed the relationship between the state and the people it governed. Was this revolution a top-down process, brought about by political and religious elites on an unwilling population? Or was it a genuinely radical process, which reflected the religious attitudes and faith of ordinary people? Linked modules • AQA- The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 • AQA-The Reformation In Europe, C1500–1564 • AQA-Religious Conflict And The Church In England, C1529–C1570 • Pearson-England, 1509–1603: Authority, Nation And Religion • WJEC-Government, Rebellion And Society In Wales And England C.1485-1603 • WJEC-Political And Religious Change In Europe C.1500-1598 • WJEC-The Mid Tudor Crisis In Wales And England C.1529-1570 Part 1: Problems, Threats And Challenges C.1529-1553 • WJEC-Religious Reformation In Europe C.1500-1564 Part 1: The Outbreak And Spread Of The Reformation In Germany C.1500- 1531 • WJEC-Poverty, Protest And Rebellion In Wales And England C.1485-1603 • WJEC-Reformation And Discovery: Europe C.1492-1610 • WJEC-The Mid Tudor Crisis In Wales And England C.1529-1570 Part 2: Challenges Facing Mary And Elizabeth C.1553-1570 • WJEC-The Religious Reformation In Europe C.1500-1564 Part 2: Spread Of Protestantism And Counter-Reformation C.1531-1564.
Explaining Hitler’s rise to power has long proved to be a deeply controversial process- which has divided not only historians, but also journalists, politicians and ordinary citizens, both in Germany and internationally. This session both explores and critiques the differing explanations for this process, and in so doing, shows how the rise of the Nazis was far from simple and straightforward. Linked modules • AQA- The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991 AQA- International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 • AQA- Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945 • Pearson- Germany and West Germany, 1918–89 • Pearson- Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited. • WJEC- Europe In An Age Of Conflict And Co-Operation C.1890-1991 • WJEC- Changing Leadership And Society In Germany C.1871-1989 • WJEC- Germany: Democracy And Dictatorship C.1918-1945 Part 2: Nazi Germany C.1933-1945
This session examines the centres of power within the British state from the national to the local. It investigates both parliamentary democracy and also extra-parliamentary pressures which can be brought to bear on parliamentary decision-makers. In addition, the session also examines key stakeholders within British political parties and party funding. Linked Modules • AQA- Government and Politics of the UK • Pearson- UK Politics • Pearson- UK Government • WJEC- Government in Wales and the United Kingdom • WJEC- Living and Participating in a Democracy
For on campus visits, we also offer sessions in the library with our academic librarians. You can either include a session/s as part of a bespoke subject visit, or create a bespoke library visit, picking your sessions from the list.
Learn how to search for books and skilfully explore the library shelves.
Ignite your critical thinking skills with the superpower of questioning.
Navigate the choppy waters of referencing and set a course for academic success.
Conquer presentation anxiety – discover practical tips to deliver confident, engaging presentations.
Reflection has an important role to play in future learning and self-development.
Learn to master time to achieve success both in your studies and life.
Complete the form to request a bespoke activity or speakers into schools talk. Please provide as much information as possible help us understand your needs. We can help with travel contributions to support your visit. Email ssshlrecruitment@tees.ac.uk to discuss.
We can help with travel contributions to support your visit. Email ssshlrecruitment@tees.ac.uk to discuss.