Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  War and Peace in the 20th Century

• Unit Code

  HIS2102

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

Over the last century every nation was in some way impacted by the violence, deprivation and social dislocation of war. From powerful armies to rag-tag rebels, from horse-mounted cavalry to ballistic missiles, these conflicts took many forms and were driven by a diverse range of political, social, economic, and ideological motivations. We will consider the causes and consequences of war and conflict in the 20th Century, within the context of major historical themes such as: imperialism and decolonisation; the ideological struggles of communism and capitalism; ethnic nationalism and religious fundamentalism; and industrialisation and underdevelopment. It will also consider to what extent international organisations such as the League of Nations, the United Nations, and regional forums have helped to prevent conflict or ameliorate its effects.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded HIS3102.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the social, political and economic impacts of war and conflict on participant nations, and throughout the international community.
2. Discuss historical debates on the causes and impacts of war.
3. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of international institutions established to prevent conflict.
4. Identify key social, political and economic causes of war and conflict.
5. Outline the major conflicts in each region during the Twentieth Century.

Unit Content

1. Cold War conflicts, including Vietnam and Afghanistan.
2. Colonialism, imperial competition, and anti colonial resistance.
3. Global institutions: The League of Nations; the United Nations; regional organisations.
4. Revolutions: The Russian Revolution, and other left-wing and right-wing uprisings.
5. The First and Second World Wars.
6. Wars of decolonisation, ethnic nationalism, and religious fundamentalism.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Seminars.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Bellamy, A.J., & P.W. (2010). Understanding peacekeeping. Malden: Polity.
• Butlin, R.A. (2009). Geographies of empire: European empires and colonies, 1880-1960. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Hart, J.L. (2008). Empires and colonies. Malden: Polity.
• Isaacs, J., & Downing, T. (2008). Cold war. London, United Kingdom: Abacus.
• Smith, S.A. (2008). Revolution and the people in Russia and China: A comparative history. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Conway-Laz, S. (2006). Collateral damage: Americans, noncombatant immunity, and atrocity after World War II. New York, NY: Routledge.
• Cordell, K., & Wolff, S. (2010). Ethnic conflict: Causes, consequences, responses, Malden: Polity.
• Ferguson, N. (2003). Empire: The rise and demise of the British world and the lessons for global power. New York, NY: Basic Books.
• Hardt, M., & Negri, A. (2000). Empire. Harvard: Harvard University Press.
• Martel, G. (1999). The origins of the Second World War reconsidered. New York, NY: Routledge.
• Pearson, R. (1998). The rise and fall of the Soviet empire. London, United Kingdom: St. Martin's Press.
• Gilbert, M. (1989). Second World War. Terrey Hills: Peribo.
• Layne, C., & Thayer, B.A. (2006). American empire: A debate. New York, NY: Routledge.

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