Module manager: Dr Rachel Lin
Email: Y.r.Lin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module introduces you– including those not specialising in history – to the international politics of the period 1919 to 1945. It challenges some of the popular narratives and assumptions surrounding this period, such as the rise of right-wing nationalism, the failure of international peace-making and decolonisation, and the transition from Great-Power to Superpower competition. It also examines how the historical memory of the period continues to exert political influence today. 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 module addresses key historiographical debates in the 1919-1945 period, many of which are reflected in popular historical narratives. It introduces you to how academic historians have tackled these topics and brings in key primary sources that have informed different scholarly views. Hence, its content allows you to gain a better understanding of this period, thereby approaching popular historical narratives from a more informed and critical perspective. Skills-wise, you will engage with the historiography on critical topics relating to peace-making, international diplomacy and decolonisation. You will also acquire and develop skills in primary-source analysis.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Evaluate critically the key historiographical debates on the evolution of the international system between 1919 and 1945.
2. Analyse how primary sources are used to inform historians’ research and perspectives on this period.
3. Assess how the historical memory of the period informs later political trends.
Skills Learning Outcome
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Analyse how scholars approach different historical questions and why these differ.
5. Critically interpret primary sources in a range of genres.
6. Insightfully relate historical methods to contemporary political issues.
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 | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Before each assignment, you have the opportunity to get feedback from your tutor on an essay plan in one-to-one meeting.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Primary source analysis | 40 |
| Coursework | Article/Media review | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team