Module: The World Since 1945

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	The World Since 1945
Module Code	HIS1011 (ITS: HY113)
Faculty	History & Geography	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Two 1-hour Lectures per week
Tutorial	10	A 1 hour tutorial per week
Independent Study	50	Lecture/Tutorial preparation; independent reading. Assigned weekly reading
Assignment Completion	107.5	Assignments research and writing
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	12183	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Daithí Ó Corráin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Participation in tutorials	10%	n/a
Reflective journal	Three critical reading journal exercises (c. 600 words each) on assigned readings from Sections 1 and 2 of the module	30%	As required
Formal Examination	TWO-question exam covering sections 3, 4 and 5 of module	60%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Other useful general text surveys, Ronald Barston, International politics since 1945 (1991),
419012: 1, Other useful general text surveys, P. M. H. Bell, The world since 1945: an international history (2001),
419013: 1, Other useful general text surveys, Peter Calvocoressi, World politics 1945-2000 (8th ed., 2001),
419014: 1, Other useful general text surveys, J.A.S. Grenville, The Collins history of the world in the twentieth century (1994),
419015: 1, Other useful general text surveys, M. Howard and R. Louis (eds), The Oxford history of the twentieth century (1998),
419016: 1, Other useful general text surveys, W. R. Keylor, The twentieth century world and beyond (5th ed., 2005),
419017: 1, Other useful general text surveys, Wayne McWilliams & Harry Piotrowski, The world since 1945: a history of international relations (7th ed., 2009),
419018: 1, Other useful general text surveys, J. M. Roberts, Twentieth century: the history of the world, 1901 to the present (1999),
419019: 1, Other useful general text surveys, T. E. Vadney, The world since 1945 (3rd ed., 1998),
419020: 1, Reading List, A detailed reading list will be provided,