How do TV period dramas reflect and influence British national identity, and others' perception of it? Why does the genre continue to be so popular? And how far has it adapted (and should it adapt) to twenty-first-century values? 

This course examines the continuing appeal of British televised period drama, exploring the cultural impact and relevance of a range of well- and lesser-known examples dating from the 1970s to the present day. Our critical examination of the genre will engage with current debates about aesthetic value, historical accuracy and socio-political relevance. Among the topics likely to be addressed are: The Crown and the ‘real’ Royal Family; sexuality in Upstairs Downstairs and It's A Sin; The Tudors and popular history; literary adaptation, looking at Brideshead Revisited and Pride and Prejudice; the historical comedy of Blackadder; feminism, class and progressive politics in Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife; violence and masculinity in Peaky Blinders; empire and race in The Jewel in the Crown; and Modern Romance - how Bridgerton rewrote the rules.

Related study trips

A visit to Badminton House, which features as a location for the TV series Bridgerton and The Pursuit of Love.

ASE reserves the right to change the content of course-specific study trips where necessary.