Introductory description

The module aims to support students on the Arts and Humanities course/pathway by developing their understanding of the key historiographical debates and theoretical approaches used in historical research and education.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Outline Syllabus

The first unit is “Making of Modern Europe, 1789-1945”

This module provides a basic introduction into the making of Modern Europe by examining a number of key historical social upheavals that took place from the end of the 18th century to 1945. These key transformations have played a considerably important role in the modernisation of Europe, not only from an economic and technological perspective but also in terms of its effects on politics and society.
Using Western Europe as the main case study, this unit tracks the theme of Revolution and War from the French Revolution to the ending of World War Two. It will look specifically in what ways these events contributed towards the modernisation of society, and considers what modernity might mean and how this can be used to study History.

The second unit is “The Cold War, 1945 -1991”

This unit tracks the development and course of the Cold War from its origins, until the collapse of the Soviet Union. Over the course of the unit, the lectures and seminars will touch upon aspects of colonialism and globalisation through the lens of the Cold War. Students will be introduced to a number of major historiographical debates surrounding the Cold War and theoretical approaches that will allow the student to access and engage successfully with a range of primary and secondary sources.
From newspaper articles to propaganda posters, this module will cover a range of topics, ensuring that students are equipped with the basic knowledge for understanding the economic, political, societal and cultural implications of the Cold War. While emphasis will be placed on the global reach of the Cold War through notions of colonialism and Cold War culture, other topics explored will include; what is the Cold War? And its origins, Ideological Warfare, Everyday life in the Soviet Union, A Global Cold War? The Non-Aligned Movement, The ending of the Cold War and demise of the Soviet Union.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Analyse events and evaluate key historiographical debates existing on the topics explored in this module
• 2. Appraise and identify bias in the contexts to which secondary sources are created and received
• 3. Identify the arguments and evidence in second text and to determine its validity
• 4. Use secondary literature to propose alternative theories with appropriate use of primary sources

Indicative reading list

• Access to History: The Cold War 1941–95 Fourth Edition, Daniel Williams (June 2019)
• Cold War: For Forty-five Years the World Held its Breath, Jeremy Isaacs and Taylor Downing (2008)
• The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) Robert McMahon (2003)
• A History of Modern Europe, Fourth Ed., John Merriman (2019)
• The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848, Eric Hobsbawm (1962)
• The Industrial Revolution: A History From Beginning to End, Hourly History, (2019)
  Twentieth-Century Europe: A Brief History, 1900 to the Present, Michael D. Richards, Paul R. Waibel, (2014)

Interdisciplinary

The course draws on wider political debates and international relations theory.

International

The two units of the course have an international dimension. The topics explored over the 25 weeks examine case studies from Latin America to China, with an investigation of key themes of globalisation and colonisation. Indicative case studies at present include; Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Subject specific skills

To develop students use of analysis to interpret and critique existing historiographical debates and draw their own conclusions from the examination of primary sources.

Transferable skills

The pathway not only prepares students for undergraduate study in the UK, it also builds on a number of transferable skills that students will be able to draw upon beyond academic studies. The modules push students to work on their communication skills through presentation work, on their research and analysis skills in class and through assessment and on their ability to work within a team - which will be embedded in lecturers and seminars throughout the year.