Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Course Delivery
Assessment
Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 1 x 2000 word essay | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | 1 x 750 word Film Review | 10% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours 1 x 2 hour exam | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1 x 2000 word essay | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1 x 750 word Film review | 10% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours 1 x 2 hour exam | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Analyse and evaluate key developments in the remembrance of the Second World War across the globe since 1945
2. Demonstrate an understanding of core conceptual approaches to the study of memory in international politics
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the core arguments in the historiography of collective memory of the Second World War since 1945
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the causes, nature and trajectory of contemporary contestation over the significance of aspects of the Second World War
Brief description
Over seventy years since its conclusion, and even as it drifts out of living memory, the Second World War retains a remarkable visibility in contemporary politics, culture and society. Political issues from Brexit to refugee crises to antifa protest continue to be framed in relation to the ‘good war’ against fascism. Films, novels and history books focusing on the war proliferate. Museums and memorials devoted to aspects of the Second World War past are built and dedicated in ever increasing number. Why does this conflict remain so resonant in contemporary consciousness? Why and how is its meaning so fiercely contested? What are the political implications of its visibility, in relation to our identity, our values and our political future? This module will explore how the war has been remembered over the seven decades since 1945 in all parts of the globe, and assess why this past still shapes our lives today.
Content
• The ‘Long Second World War’
• Memory and International Politics
• Guilty Nations: Germany; Japan
• Good Wars: GB, US, Russia
• Ambiguities of Resistance and Collaboration: France, Italy, Eastern Europe
• Holocaust
• Zones of Contestation: East Asia; Eastern Europe; Empires
• Media of Memory: Museums; Films; Law and Restitution
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | N/A |
| Communication | Students will learn how to present their ideas both verbally and in writing. They will understand the importance of information and clear communication and how to exploit these. They will know how to use the many sources of information available and how to use the most appropriate form of communication to the best advantage. They will learn to be clear in their writing and speaking and to be direct about aims and objectives. They will learn to consider only that which is relevant to the topic, focus and objectives of their argument or discussion. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | The module aims to promote self-management but within a context in which support and assistance is available from both the convenor and the fellow students alike. Students will be expected to improve their own learning and performance by undertaking their own research and to exercise their own initiative, including searching for sources, compiling reading lists, and deciding (under guidance) the direction of their coursework and presentation topics. Coursework deadlines will focus students’ attention on the need to manage their time and opportunity resources well. |
| Information Technology | Students will prepare and submit assessments electronically, and receive feedback on them through Turnitin. They will be encouraged to search for sources of information on the web and to make use of the resources that will be available on Blackboard. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The discussions in particular will help to develop students’ verbal and presentation skills. Learning about the process of planning coursework, framing the parameters of a project, honing and developing it and seeing it through to completion will contribute towards students’ portfolios of transferable skills. |
| Problem solving | Independent project work and problem solving will be one of the central goals of the module; the submission of coursework will require that students develop independent research skills as well as problem solving skills. The need to research and prepare seminar presentations will also enable students to develop independent project skills. |
| Research skills | The submission of coursework will reflect the independent research skills of students. The need to locate appropriate research resources and write up the results will also facilitate research skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students have the opportunity to develop, practice and test a wide range of subject specific skills that help them to understand, conceptualise and evaluate examples and ideas on the module. These subject specific skills include: • Collect and understand a wide range of data relating to the module • Ability to evaluate competing perspectives • Demonstrate subject specific research techniques • Apply a range of methodologies to complex historical and political problems |
| Team work | Seminars will consist in part of small-group discussion where students will be obliged to discuss as a group the core issues related to seminar topics. Such class room debates and discussions are a vital component of the module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5