School Programmes, Syllabi & Academic Information.

HISTORY & POLITICS

HISTORY & POLITICS (81 hours)

Course Description

This module balances a strong grounding in the two component subjects (History and Politics) with the chance to explore the ways in which historical and political understanding together illuminate the modern world.

Aim of the course

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of history, politics and international relations. It not only enables students to set contemporary political problems in their historical perspective, but also equips them to approach the study of the past with the conceptual rigour derived from political science. This module provides students with a critical understanding of modern world history, including how historical developments have shaped present-day politics, economics and societies. It is designed to promote awareness of the wider importance and value of the skills of historical study. It is, also, designed to develop intellectual skills of acquisition, understanding, analysis and evaluation of historical evidence and enhance awareness and deepen understanding of historical and theoretical debate.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the students will:­

  • Show deep knowledge and understanding of key aspects of global history
  • Demonstrate critical awareness of the differences and similarities between different world regions of modern world history and of the interaction between and inter-dependence of different world regions
  • Get a thorough knowledge and deep understanding of theoretical concepts appropriate to the study of modern world history as well as politics
  • Conceptualise and prepare arguments based on the analysis of different accounts of global history as they relate to international politics
  • Develop specific research skills in areas of international politics and world history

Syllabus

  • The causes of the First World War
  • Britain and the First World War:1914–1918
  • The peace treaties after the First World War
  • Russia and the USSR 1905-1941
  • The USA 1919-1941
  • The League of Nations
  • Causes of the Second World War
  • The beginnings of the Cold War: 1945-1949
  • The Cold War 1950-1975
  • Eastern Europe and the Cold War 1948-1989
  • Political Principles arising from historical facts

Resources and booklist suggestions:

Walsh Ben, 2009, Modern World History, 3rd edition, Hodder Education