Module manager: Dr Matthew Frank
Email: m.frank@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
While ‘History Wars’ have always been a factor in international relations, they are being waged with increasing frequency in contemporary Europe. This module introduces you to the ways in which historical controversies play out not only at a national level but also between states and how they can become a tool of international politics as well as a source of international discord. Many of the controversies we cover are rooted in the experience of Europe’s mid-twentieth-century crisis (i.e. of regional and international conflict, state collapse, military conquest, population displacement, massacre, etc.) which continues to cast a shadow over the Continent, long after the events of 1989-91 and the end of the Cold War. But they are also anchored in the experience of foreign domination, whether by long-defunct imperial entities (e.g. Habsburg, Ottoman), as a consequence of neo-colonial projects which attempted to revive these (Nazi New Order, Soviet bloc), or at the hands of aggrandizing and nationalizing states in the wake of the main ruptures of the century (1918/19, 1945, 1989/91). Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to a number of historical controversies which continue to define and complicate relationships between European states. You will learn about histories and historiographies of parts of Europe and themes in recent European political history that will most likely be new or unfamiliar to you. You will also learn about the different ways in which ‘history’ is represented at a national and an international level through official commemorations, monuments, museums, joint historical commissions, etc.
On successful completion of the modules students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Develop a deeper understanding of the political significance of contested histories in contemporary Europe.
2. Gain a fuller appreciation of what constitutes ‘European history’ and its diversity.
3. Draw comparisons between different historical and national contexts.
4. Provide the the historical ‘long view’ on a current issue.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Analyse conflicting historical interpretations.
6. Identify, utilise and contextualise a range of primary sources for your research.
7. Apply fundamental standards and practices of historical study for research, discussion, and assessed work.
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 |
| Lecture | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Private study hours | 181.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
For assessment 1, discussion (group work and open class) of selected primary sources in each of the seminars – summarizing, contextualizing and analysing them. Opportunity to submit a non-assessment practice source commentary. You can discuss ideas and approach to the assessment task in individual meetings with your tutor.
For assessment 2, you identify a topic for the essay and agree the question in consultation with tutor. You will have the opportunity to discuss an essay plan and bibliography in an individual meeting with the module tutor.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Source analysis | 40 |
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| 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: 20/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team