Anarchy in the UK: A History of Punk from 1976-78 (FutureLearn)

Explore the history of punk and the role played by youth subcultures in contemporary history, while making your own punk fanzine. Discover what 70s punk subculture can tell us about contemporary history. In the late 1970s a new youth subculture emerged in the UK. This, of course, was punk, and a cultural revolt was underway.

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On this course, you will learn about the emergence of punk and its diverse range of meanings. You’ll use that lens to explore how youth cultures provided space for people to reimagine, discover and challenge the society and communities in which they were coming of age.

You’ll explore punk as a tool of expression for young people, and how it related to politics and events. You’ll consider punk’s relationship with racism, gender, and sexuality, drawing comparisons with the youth culture of today.
Experience 70s youth culture by making your own punk fanzine

Through studying punk culture in 70s Britain, you’ll come to understand what we can learn about history through youth culture.

This history course also has an emphasis on the creative side of punk. You’ll explore DIY punk design and writing, epitomised by fanzines. You’ll learn how to create a real-life fanzine of your own, all the way to publishing and distribution. This will help strengthen your communication skills and encourage independent thought and creativity.

Discover research methods

By investigating the history of Punk, the course offers a creative resource for you to explore and develop your critical thinking skills and will prepare you for study in higher education.

Studying History develops expertise that can enable you to gain highly sought-after transferable skills.
What topics will you cover?

- Modern UK history and politics

- Design and writings in Punk fanzines

- Exploring punk culture to tells us about wider social-political developments

- Music, design, and writing in the 70s

- Racism

- Gender and sexuality
What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Reflect on the relationship between youth cultures and politics in the UK

- Explore how individual and collective artistic identities are portrayed in their work

- Discuss the ways in which creating a zine provides an outlet for expression and creativity

- Identify and assemble information on a given topic through research and discussion to develop original thinking

- Apply and learn to create, publish and distribute a zine