Later Modern International History and Memory

On completion of this module students should have a fundamental knowledge of some of the principal episodes of later modern international history (in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries), along with an appreciation of the varieties of heritage associated with the memory of conflict between international powers.

1. (a) Think critically and sceptically, and have the confidence to formulate open-minded opinions about prevailing orthodoxies and accepted views on the past (by considering international history as 'critical investigation' rather than as 'unchallengeable tablets of stone').

   (b) Understand the broad framework of later modern international history (and its relationship to memory), and demonstrate a strong command of the relevant literature in the field.

   (c) Understand the causes, courses and consequences of major international conflicts.

   (d) Demonstrate accomplished presentation, interpretation and writing skills as they pertain to the understanding of international history and memory.

   (e) Demonstrate an awareness of the interdisciplinary relationships between international history and cognate fields, including heritage studies, memory studies, geopolitics, international relations, and human rights.

   (f) Demonstrate a better understanding of the past insofar as its legacy is still with us, in visible monuments and landscape features, in films and documentaries, in songs, in forms of social organisation, and in currently held attitudes and values.

   (g) Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of memory and the politics of commemoration and representation internationally.

   (h) Appreciate the importance of the interplay between history and memory in the international military heritage industry/sector.

   (i) Think independently and demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.

   (j) Demonstrate an awareness of the value of archival sources, published works, newspaper reportage, museums, the cultural landscape, heritage attractions and films/documentaries for studying later modern international history and memory.