Module manager: To be confirmed
Email:
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
n/a
This module is not approved as an Elective
How do different understandings of history shape current affairs? International history lends itself to uses (and abuses) by different practitioners and in diverse settings. The module examines the relationship between international history and global actors such as state leaders, activists, journalists, think tanks, NGOs, and combatants. Using a variety of methods and sources, it examines how different protagonists shape and frame international relations. The module advocates the role of the historian in public debates and policymaking.
The module aims to highlight the ways that past historical events are often invoked to justify present-day policies, initiatives and ideologies. A key objective of the module is to interrogate the ways in which politicians, military leaders, revolutionaries, journalists, NGOs, and think tanks engage with international history and use it in contemporary debates. Sessions will be dedicated to the analysis of how a variety of historical episodes have been mobilized by different actors for different needs. The analysis will be based on a wide array of contemporary and historical sources and methodologies. The module will incorporate relevant skills training to equip you with the skills to use international history to engage varied audiences.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. critically assess the ways in which international history is mobilized achieved on successful completion of the module. Learning outcomes relate to student achievement and should be specific, measurable, and attainable, and use action verbs. They need to correspond to the level of the module and will link to the key assessment tasks. by different actors to serve present-day ends and needs
2. critique narratives that are constructed around representations/mis-representations of historical events
3. use international history to better understand and analyse contemporary affairs
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Convey academic content to varied audiences.
5. Communicate clearly and concisely in written formats, listen to the views of others, and tailor material and interpretation for the audience.
6. Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, and ideas.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 279.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
You will be given the opportunity to submit a detailed plan (no more than 500 words) for the first assignment. The deadline will be 3 weeks before the first assignment is to be submitted. Feedback will be delivered in writing by the tutor who set the question. This will help you better understand general expectations for the first summative assignment. Feedback on the first will aid student preparation for the second assignment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 23/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team