Module FOUN0367: THE ORIGINS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Department: Foundation Year [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

FOUN0367: THE ORIGINS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop knowledge and understanding of selected themes of Europe as well as the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians.
• Students will also gain familiarity with and develop a critical perspective of differing interpretations of historical problems and alternative and conflicting sources of evidence.

Content

• Introducing History – An introduction to historical sources, concepts and historiography.
• The course will then go on to develop a basic understanding of the different elements of historical analysis, using the period in Europe from 1870-1918.
• This will include studying the following countries: Britain, Germany, France, Russia, Austria-Hungary and the Balkans to develop historical skills using both primary and secondary sources.
• Issues to be covered will include: the expansion of Germany and her future plans, rivalry between France & Germany regarding Alsace-Lorraine, the growing problems of nationalism and minority groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Balkans as well as the political and social climate in all of the countries to be studied.
• Students will be encouraged to develop their historical skills through analysis of primary material which will include political cartoons, postcards, pamphlets and first hand accounts of events.
• The main focus will be upon analysing the changes in Europe from 1870 – 1914 to determine the reasons for the outbreak of the First World War.
• The emphasis will be on detailing the political, economic, social and ideological reasons for the changes.
• Among other aspects, seminars will cover perceptions of 1870-1914 in Modern Europe.
• The outbreak of war will be covered in particular by considering cause and consequence as well as continuity and change to determine how the origins of the war and the war itself affects Europe today.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will acquire the knowledge to be able to:
• make effective use of relevant factual knowledge to demonstrate and understanding and a critical evaluation of key events in European history during a given period.
• evaluate and interpret source material as historical evidence and to demonstrate facility in its use.
• distinguish and assess different approaches to interpretations of and opinions about a given period.
• communicate relevant ideas and central issues concerning the given period and to express them confidently in written work.
• show awareness of change and continuity in the past and present and to present a clear, concise, logical and relevant argument.

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• identify and distinguish between a primary and secondary source
• analyse, evaluate and interpret historical evidence
• discuss and debate relevant material in an academic manner
• acknowledge different historians' opinions
• understand and interpret art from the period

• By the end of the module students will:
• be able to communicate effectively in writing
• be able to demonstrate problem solving skill

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• All teaching will take the form of seminars with a view to encouraging the active participation of all students.
• Throughout the programme students will be given a range of exercises designed to develop their ability to understand, analyse and formulate arguments.
• The assessment methods aim to take account of the need for students to be able to make effective use of primary and secondary sources and to express their ideas both verbally and in writing.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Throughout the course students are expected to consolidate their learning through background reading. Exercises and library research will be set to enable students to measure their progress and confirm understanding of the material.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University