Course Objectives

London’s contemporary popular culture is an integral part of what goes to make it a leading global city. This history course will trace the development of popular culture in London from the late eighteenth century, looking at both popular cultural texts and sites.Prerequisite: one undergraduate-level History course (as of Fall 2010). This course runs as an Elective A in the Spring term and an Elective B in the Fall term.Course materials are listed below. Please log in to view these items. 

Course Comments

"This course was a wonderful addition to a study abroad in London, and I found myself picking up on a lot more cultural references during this half of the semester. The films, music, readings and field trips all fit very well in the course and had logical placing." Anon., Fall 2009

"Class was very well prepared - Dr Peplar has a very thorough understanding of British history: put it in context that was relevant to us (as a generation knowledgeable in current pop culture)." Anon., Fall 2009

"Interesting class to see how London came to be the cultural capital of the world. Really helps with studying in a new place." Alex Fish, Fall 2009

“Michael’s class was very interesting and informative – definitely one of my favourite courses. I learned a lot about the current British culture, and also the history of where this culture first started developing. Michael was enthusiastic and very friendly and warm with his students – great teacher.” Casey Barger, Fall 2008

“I really enjoyed this class. I thought the field trips were great! It really helped me understand London in a sense of everyday life-not just school/history related.” Anon., Spring 2009

Faculty Information

Dr Michael Peplar is the Director of Studies at Boston University’s British Programmes. He is a graduate of the University of York (BA in History and Politics and MA in Modern History) and holds a PhD from the University of Greenwich. Dr Peplar’s current teaching and research interests are in the history of London and in the history of ideas about families and family life. He is the author of Family Matters: A History of Ideas About Family Since 1945 (Longman, London & New York, 2002). Before joining Boston University, he held teaching or research posts at the University of Greenwich, the University of East London and Long Island University. He is a former Director of the Institute for the International Education of Students London Centre.

Course Syllabus and Materials

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