HS2O19: Europe in the Twentieth Century

Module code: HS2O19

Module provider: History; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Daniel Renshaw, email: d.g.renshaw@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to give an appreciation of the geopolitical dynamics of modern European history from the formation of the German nation state in 1871 to the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Proceeding broadly chronologically, we will discuss the ideological struggles of twentieth-century Europe, consider why the twentieth century was so violent and how warfare itself evolved, examine Europe’s changing role in the wider world, and think about the changes that took place in European society and culture at this time. Students will gain an understanding of long-term historical trends, how transformative events act as the catalyst for societal change, the dynamics of modern diplomacy, and the relationship between ideology and realpolitik. Students will also become familiar with the extensive and evolving historiography of modern European political history, and primary documents from key participants in the conflicts that shape the module.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Understand the broad historical trends in modern European politics and society; 
2. Be familiar with the different beliefs and ideologies that precipitated change and conflict in modern European history; 
3. Appraise critically the primary sources and historical interpretations of the subject; 
4. Organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing and debate. 

Module content

Europe in the Twentieth Century begins with an examination of nationalism in the nineteenth century, the role it played in the formation of modern Italy and Germany, and the precipitates for the outbreak of the First World War. We will then consider how warfare changed in the twentieth century (especially in relation to the role of non-combatants) and the ideological struggles and political transformations of the inter-war period. After looking at the Second World War, the second half of the module will examine in detail the course of the Cold War and the different theatres in which it was fought, concluding with the collapse of European communism between 1989 and 1991. The final session will provide an overview of societal and cultural changes in the period.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning will be by a variety of methods, which includes: 

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• Seminars, which Seminars rely on structured group discussion and may also include seminar papers by students, discussion of evidence, team-based exercises, and debates; 
• Online exercises, including quizzes and worksheets; 
• Independent study. 

Study hours

At least 33 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Essay plan to be submitted half-way through the semester.  

Reassessment

Additional costs