2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HIST2865 From the Cold War to the War on Terror, 1976-2008

20 creditsClass Size: 56

Module manager: Dr Rachel Utley
Email: r.e.utley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Module replaces

HIST 2870; HIST 2880

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The years 1976-2008 have been characterised by two developments of immense significance for international relations in the contemporary era: the end of the Cold War, and the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.This module investigates relations between states in the period 1976-2008, in the context of the evolution and ending of the Cold War, its aftermath, and the transformation of the international system this has entailed. It also examines international relations in specific regions of the world (the Middle East, India and China, Japan and South-East Asia, Africa, Europe), and considers the evolution and achievements of a range of international organisations in the same period.It concludes with an evaluation of the impact and significance of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and the subsequent 'War on Terror', for the international relations of the early twenty-first century.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to:

1. develop the skills of historical enquiry, interpretation and synthesis
2. develop knowledge and understanding of the structures, processes and state strategies in international politics in the period 1976-2008
3. assess developments in specific regions of the world and develop an understanding of the principal conceptual issues involved in the study of international politics
4. examine the evolution and achievements of international organisations in the same period.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have a knowledge and understanding of:
- relations between states in the period 1976-2008; of the transformation in international politics which characterised this period;
- international relations in specific regions of the world (the Middle East, India and China, Japan and South-East Asia, Africa, Europe);
- the development of varying forms of international organisation and interdependent endeavour over this time period; and of the impact and significance of the War on Terror.

Such knowledge and understanding will have been demonstrated both orally and in writing, through a combination of class discussion, group presentation exercises, essay plans, an assessed essay and an unseen examination.

Skills outcomes
- High-level skills in the oral and written communication of complex ideas;
- Ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise large amounts of material;
- Capacity for critical thinking and engagement with a significant body of scholarly literature;
- Capacity for time management, self-discipline and motivation.

Syllabus

- Introduction: the end of the Cold War, the era of transition and the emerging US hegemony
- US foreign policy 1976-2000: winning the Second Wold War and the uncertain aftermath
- The collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia's post-Cold War predicament
- Regional international relations in the Middle East, India and China, Japan and South-East Asia, and Africa
- The United Nations during and after the Cold War
- European major powers and the European Union during and after the Cold War
- The War on Terror.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	9	1.00	9.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- The completion of recommended reading and self-directed reading in preparation for lectures and seminars;
- The preparation and completion of a group presentation exercises; research and writing of a 2,000-word essay; exam preparation and revision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Contributions to seminar discussions.
- 1 x 2,000-word optional non-assessed essay with feedback.
- 1 x assessed group presentation exercises with feedback.
- 1 x 2,000-word assessed essay with feedback.
- One two-hour exam at the conclusion of the module.
- Additional advice will be available from module tutors as requested and/or appropriate.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2,000 word assessed essay due by 12 noon on Monday of teaching week 9	40.00
Presentation	1 x contribution to the planning, preparation and delivery of a group presentation, plus the answering/fielding of questions	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/05/2017

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