2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
HIST1530 The Making of the Twentieth Century
20 creditsClass Size: 150
Module manager: Dr Robert Hornsby
Email: R.Hornsby@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module introduces students to the history of the twentieth century; an era that the historian Eric Hobsbawm dubbed the ‘Age of Extremes’. Beginning with the tumult unleashed by the outbreak of World War in August 1914, and ending with the geopolitical convulsions triggered by the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991, this module charts the social, political, ideological and cultural forces that shaped the century, and the lives of the people who lived through it, for better and for worse.Objectives
This module will explore:• some of the major social, economic, political and cultural developments that shaped the history of the twentieth century
• some of the major turning points in the history of the twentieth century
• historians’ competing interpretations of the twentieth century
• the complexity of historical change
Learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the major social, economic, political and cultural developments that shaped the history of the twentieth century
2. Demonstrate an awareness of some of the major turning points in the history of the twentieth century
3. Recognise different historiographical arguments about the causes and consequences of the changes examined in this module
4. Appreciate the range, value, and challenges of a selection of primary sources that relate to the history of the twentieth century
5. Present a structured and coherent analysis based on appropriate and relevant historical sources in assignments set by tutors
6. Apply fundamental standards and practices of historical study for research, discussion, and assessed work
Syllabus
This module will introduce students to some of the key social, political and cultural developments of the twentieth century. The main themes covered may include:
- The global contest between democracy and dictatorship.
- The politics of revolution and protest.
- Nationalism and internationalism.
- The impact of ‘total war’ and the Cold War.
- The rise of the ‘Global South’.
- The Global Sixties.
- The role of ideas, political leaders, and mass movements in producing historical change.
- The continuing debates about the ‘end of History’.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Private study hours | 178.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
- Undertaking core reading and other activities in preparation for seminars: 55 hours- Reviewing and consolidating notes on lectures: 22 hours
- Identifying gaps in their knowledge and self-directed reading to address these: 22 hours
- Researching, preparing, and writing assignments: 75 hours
- Reflecting on feedback and implementing suggestions in future assignments: 4 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will be monitored throughout the course on their preparation for and contributions in class. They will receive formative feedback on their first source commentary. They will also receive formative feedback on their unassessed essay plan.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2,500-word essay | 60.00 |
| Assignment | 2 x 750- word primary source commentary (to be submitted in week 7) | 40.00 |
| Literature Review | Essay Plan (500 words in total) | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Students will be monitored throughout the course on their preparation for and contributions in class. They will receive formative feedback on their first source commentary. They will also receive formative feedback on their unassessed essay plan.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 27/01/2023
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