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Beyond the Ballot

Women’s Rights and Suffrage from 1866 to Today

Claire Kennan, Abbie Evans, Claire Bogue, Matthew Smith, Steven Franklin, and Naomi Paxton

Guided by Claire Kennan from Royal Holloway, University of London, this course examines: Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for anyone with an interest in nineteenth or twentieth century history, the women’s suffrage campaign or the history of women’s rights. It does not require any reading before you start or previous experience of studying the subject. You can use the hashtag #FLBeyondtheBallot to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The myth and reality of women’s experience of the nineteenth century through literature, art, work and the law;
The case studies of four pioneering women whose campaigns for issues other than the vote laid the foundation for the women’s suffrage campaign;
The movements and milestones in campaigning for votes for women;
The impact of the First World War and the passage of the 1918 Representation of the People Act;
The campaign for equality after 1918 and the impact of the first women MPs;
The relationship between protest and political change and how Suffragette militancy would be regarded today.

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive women's rights and suffrage history

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive and engaging journey through the history of women's rights and suffrage, spanning from 1866 to contemporary times. Learners highlight its accessible approach, making complex historical narratives understandable for those without prior knowledge. The course is praised for its ability to offer rich historical context and connect past struggles to current social and political landscapes. The expert instruction from Royal Holloway and Houses of Parliament contributes significantly to a thought-provoking learning experience, exploring pivotal moments and figures. While serving as an excellent foundation, some students may find themselves wanting to delve deeper into specific topics beyond the course's scope.

Connects historical events to current societal discussions.

"The course's discussion on how suffragette militancy is viewed today was particularly thought-provoking."

"It helped me understand the continuous struggle for equality and the impact of early women MPs."

"I found the connection between historical protest and contemporary political change highly relevant to today's world."

Led by knowledgeable instructors from reputable institutions.

"The instructor's expertise from Royal Holloway was evident, bringing depth and clarity to the lectures."

"I truly valued the insights provided by the academics and how they connected history to modern perspectives."

"The teaching style made the historical journey compelling and insightful."

Welcomes learners of all backgrounds, no prerequisites needed.

"As someone new to this subject, I found the material incredibly easy to follow and grasp."

"The course is perfect for beginners interested in women's history; no prior reading was required."

"I appreciated how complex topics were broken down into understandable and engaging segments."

Delivers a broad and detailed exploration of women's rights.

"I found the course offered a broad historical scope, covering significant milestones from the 19th century through to today."

"The content provided a rich understanding of the women's suffrage campaign and its foundational elements."

"It was great to delve into the myth and reality of women's experiences, particularly through literature and law."

Provides a solid overview, but some may seek more in-depth study.

"While an excellent introduction, I wished for more extensive deep dives into specific case studies."

"For those already familiar with the basics, some parts might feel like a recap, rather than new information."

"I felt inspired to explore some of the topics further on my own after completing the course."

Career center

Learners who complete Beyond the Ballot: Women’s Rights and Suffrage from 1866 to Today will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Beyond the Ballot: Women’s Rights and Suffrage from 1866 to Today.

The Oxford Handbook of Public Policy

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This massive handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the entire field of political science. It is an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike.

Beyond the Ballot

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive women's rights and suffrage history

Career center

Reading list

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