This module is not currently running in 2026 to 2027.
Why has violence permeated the history of the modern world? How have war, conflict and resistance shaped society? This module will explore the impact of violence through a variety of ways, focussing heavily on primary sources (both textual and visual) as well as the latest historiographical interpretations. It will borrow specifics from key case-studies in Modern History to marry theoretical concepts to practical applications, inviting students to reflect upon the nature of violence in a broader context. By exploring violence through its social and cultural lenses - as well as its physical manifestations through war, conflict, and revolt – students will gain a better understanding of the modern world and one of the key components that has helped shape and define it.
Lecture/Seminar 32
25 minutes Presentation (Individual). Assessment Details: Primary Source based presentation. worth 20%.
3,000 words Essay. Assessment Details: Write a question-based essay incorporating primary and secondary evidence. worth 80%.
Reassessment Method: Single Instrument 100% written assessment / essay (3,000 words)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the history of violence and how it may be applied to variety of thematic or chronological studies.
2) Comprehensively apply techniques in of military, social, cultural, and political history in the study of violence in the modern era.
3) Apply knowledge originally and with reference to violence’s impact on the shaping of the modern world.
4) Individual and/or collectively review, deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and make sound judgements in the formulation and articulation of position or argument.
5) Effectively communicate information, ideas, and interpretations concerning scholarly debates using written and visual primary evidence and to a variety of audiences.
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