International relations

The Short Twentieth Century and Beyond

Module code: L2005
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay, Coursework

On this module, you’ll explore the major events and key themes of the 20th century, a period marked by upheaval and change.

You’ll examine how two world wars shaped the first half of the century, while the European colonial empires reached their peak in the 1920s before being dismantled by anti-colonial movements by the 1970s.

You’ll also learn about the 1917 Russian Revolution, the rise of the Soviet Union, its Cold War rivalry with the United States that nearly led to nuclear disaster in 1962, and its eventual collapse in 1991. 

By the end of this module, you’ll have a strong understanding of the dramatic events that shaped global politics and power dynamics in the 2020s.

Module learning outcomes

• Develop a knowledge of and the ability to interpret the themes and problems associated with the study of international history
• Develop lines of argument that demonstrate sound judgement and appreciation of the central controversies facing historians as they have attempted to interpret historical events.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to the study of the international order from 1914 to 1989.