HIST1703 Turning Points in World History

Dr Prudence Flowers

2020

4.5

1 x 2-hour lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly

HIST2037 has been successfully completed

Associated majors: History; American Studies

Bachelor of International Relations

Assignment(s), test(s), tutorial participation

This topic looks at the background to key moments in modern times. It also introduces students to some of the methods of history. It uses the idea of 'turning points' - critical junctures in history - to study long-term and short-term causes, context and sudden shocks to historical continuity. It employs film and contemporary archives to illustrate evolutionary and revolutionary change. It helps students to understand the origins of the modern world. It is especially designed for students who have not studied history before.

Turning points studied in the topic recently have included the atomic bomb, the French Revolution, the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the Pill.

To examine a number of 'great events' in history and, through that examination, introduce students to the study of history
To evaluate the comparative significance of these events and issues, with particular emphasis on assessing and ranking causes and consequences over time. Students will therefore be applying knowledge and connecting across boundaries, as well as learning how to communicate effectively
To understand the different foundations of historical knowledge and to learn how to differentiate between them, through a variety of exercises involving both collaborative research and independent learning

Having successfully completed this topic, students should be able to engage in:

an informed discussion of the events in question
an identification and critical examination of the historical debates regarding them
critical and comparative thinking to develop a coherent argument about the events, especially about the relative usefulness of the notion of 'turning points' in history
effective oral and written communication
effective use of libraries and other sources for research

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2020 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.