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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title The World Since 1945
Module Code HY113
School 68
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Daithi O Corrain
Semester 2: Daithi O Corrain
Autumn: Daithi O Corrain
Module TeachersDaithi O Corrain
Grania Shanahan
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat examination
Description

This module offers a broad overview of the dominant themes and major events in European and international history since the Second World War. Beginning with the diffusion of power to two superpowers, it examines the Cold War, the reconstruction of Europe, the post-war history of Britain, the rise of newly independent states in Africa and Asia, and regional conflict in the Middle East. Special prominence is given to the major ideological forces that have shaped political, social and economic developments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the key developments in world history since the Second World War
2. Comprehend and analyse the underlying reasons for and consequences of political, social, economic and cultural change
3. Engage critically with prescribed readings and texts
4. Construct an objective and well-presented written argument based on historical evidence
5. Engage in self-directed learning by specialising in areas of personal interest
6. Deepen critical and independent thinking, analysis, perception and judgement



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture20Two 1-hour Lectures per week
Tutorial10A 1 hour tutorial per week
Independent Study50Lecture/Tutorial preparation; independent reading. Assigned weekly reading
Assignment Completion107.5Assignments research and writing
Total Workload: 187.5

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Section 1: The World of the Superpowers
1 Origins of the Cold War

Section 1: The World of the Superpowers
2 The United States since 1945

Section 1: The World of the Superpowers
3 The Soviet Union, 1945-91

Section 2: Europe since the Second World War
4 Origins and development of European integration

Section 2: Europe since the Second World War
5 From partition to reunification: Germany, 1945-90

Section 2: Europe since the Second World War
6 France: from fourth to fifth republic

Section 2: Europe since the Second World War
7 The failure of communism in Eastern Europe, 1945-90

Section 3: Britain since 1945
8 Britain: post-war political consensus, 1945-70

Section 3: Britain since 1945
9 Britain under Thatcher

Section 3: Britain since 1945
10 Britain and Europe: an uneasy relationship

Section 4: Africa Asia and Latin America
11 Africa: decolonisation and independence

Section 4: Africa Asia and Latin America
12 The Indian sub-continent since 1945

Section 4: Africa Asia and Latin America
13 The People’s Republic of China

Section 4: Africa Asia and Latin America
14 Japan: emergence of an economic superpower

Section 4: Africa Asia and Latin America
15 Latin America: the quest for development and independence

Section 5: The Middle East
16 The Middle East after World War II

Section 5: The Middle East
17 The Arab-Israeli conflict, 1945-2000

Section 5: The Middle East
18 The Middle East since the 1970s: disorder and renewal

Section 5: The Middle East
19 Political Islam and the War on Terror

Review
Module Review

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment40% Examination Weight60%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
ParticipationParticipation in tutorials and completion of two short reading/citation exercises30%n/a
Assignment1,000-word essay based on sections 1 and 2 of module10%Week 7
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Antony Best et al: 2008, (Core text book): International history of the Twentieth Century and beyond, 2nd, EBOOK: 909.82
Other Resources

58600, Other useful general text surveys, Ronald Barston, 0, International politics since 1945 (1991), 58601, Other useful general text surveys, P. M. H. Bell, 0, The world since 1945: an international history (2001), 58602, Other useful general text surveys, Peter Calvocoressi, 0, World politics 1945-2000 (8th ed., 2001), 58603, Other useful general text surveys, J.A.S. Grenville, 0, The Collins history of the world in the twentieth century (1994), 58604, Other useful general text surveys, M. Howard and R. Louis (eds), 0, The Oxford history of the twentieth century (1998), 58605, Other useful general text surveys, W. R. Keylor, 0, The twentieth century world and beyond (5th ed., 2005), 58606, Other useful general text surveys, Wayne McWilliams & Harry Piotrowski, 0, The world since 1945: a history of international relations (7th ed., 2009), 58607, Other useful general text surveys, J. M. Roberts, 0, Twentieth century: the history of the world, 1901 to the present (1999), 58608, Other useful general text surveys, T. E. Vadney, 0, The world since 1945 (3rd ed., 1998), 58609, Reading List, 0, A detailed reading list will be provided,
Programme or List of Programmes
BAJHBachelor of Arts (BAJH)
BAJLBachelor of Arts (BAJL)
BAJPBachelor of Arts (BAJP)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IESAStudy Abroad (Institute of Education)
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