2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
HIST5035M Approaches to Contemporary European History
30 creditsClass Size: 12
Module manager: Matthew Frank
Email: m.frank@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module takes a thematic approach to European history since the end of the Second World War and by looking beyond ‘East’, ‘West’ or even ‘South’, challenges the sometimes artificial divisions with which the history of the Continent has been studied. In order to explore what has been called the ‘false contrasts and fair comparisons’ made about recent European history each theme will be explored with reference to at least two different countries. Students will benefit from the country- and regional-specific expertise of staff on this team-taught module (France, Spain, Germany, east-central Europe the Soviet Union) as well as from their thematic interests (e.g. political violence, humanitarianism, empire, migration, ethnic cleansing, youth movements). The module will provide students with a good grounding for further study of Contemporary European History at dissertation level and beyond.Objectives
1) to explore the history of Contemporary Europe2) to undertake comparative history
3) to examine historiographical debates relating to this subject
4) to engage critically with a range of sources
5) to formulate nuanced arguments, both written and oral, in relation to these issues
6) to develop further both transferable and subject specific skills
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module the students should:
1) have a solid grounding in several key themes in contemporary European history
2) have a sophisticated knowledge of the relevant historiography, including recent developments in the field
3) be able to analyse a range of source materials
4) be capable of developing a clear argument based on a range of primary and secondary sources
5) have more confidence in studying contemporary European history at greater depth, i.e. for their dissertation.
Syllabus
Indicative topics could include: What is Europe? Migration, Rights, Transitions, Empire, Protest, Security, Consumerism and consumption
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Seminar | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
Private study hours | 278.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 |
Private study
The students will read extensively each week to prepare for class discussion. They will have to prepare two essays and an oral presentation.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Through ensuring class participation, evaluating oral presentations and assessing essays.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1 x 2,000 (Historiographical essay) submitted in week 9 | 30.00 |
Essay | 1 x 4,000 (Research essay) submitted in Examination Week 2 | 60.00 |
Oral Presentation | 1 x 10 minutes | 10.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 07/09/2020
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD