Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The module will explore the study of the impact of conflicts, such as military, social (public and private) conflicts, or political struggle, on national cultures in Europe from the early modern period until the present. Wars constitute a structural element in the history of the Europeans and of their conflicting views of national identities. Wars and revolutions have produced rapid and radical transformation in the subjects affected by them - be they individual or collective, social or institutional. The subjects taught will not be restricted to political and military history but to the history of culture and mentality as well: the ways in which conflicts have been prepared, imagined, lived, represented, remembered, and narrated.

This module aims to provide students with a methodological framework for understanding conflict in European history form the end of the sixteenth century to the twenty-first century. It does so by introducing some fundamental events and themes in the history of conflict in Europe. They will be able to investigate national and regional histories. The module will also help the students begin independent research and to acquire a thorough knowledge of specific case studies.

Outline Of Syllabus

May include some of the following:

The Thirty Years' War
Piracy and Captivity in the Early Modern Mediterranean
The European Revolutions of 1848/49
Occupation, Famine and everyday life in Greece, 1941-44
The Greek Civil War and its memory
The Revolutions of 1917 in Ukraine and their Aftermath
Russia's War on Ukraine: Histories of Conflict and Conflict in the Present

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will have gained advanced knowledge of the major concepts and interpretations in the history of conflict in Europe from the XVI to the XX century. They will have critically engaged with several historiographical case studies as well as having the opportunity to apply their knowledge to selected primary sources.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Development of associated skills in research, critical reading and reasoning, sustained discussion and appropriate presentation of the results.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Seminars encourage independent study and promote improvements in oral communication, problem-solving skills and adaptability. They encourage students to share ideas and information and develop a sense of common identity as historians before they undertake individual and more specialised advanced research projects.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

General Notes

N/A