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This course explores some of the major ideas and events that have shaped world history since 1945 and asks: Which are stronger, the forces for world unity or the forces for fragmentation? The first half of the course looks at the immediate post-war period. This is the time when Europe declines, European colonies become new nations and the United States of America (U.S.A.) gains power. It is the time of the Cold War when the world is divided by 'an iron curtain' between western capitalist states led by the U.S.A. and eastern bloc communist states centered on the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The second half of the course looks at the world after the collapse of communism. We study the global impacts of the struggle for resources and the increasing prominence of terrorism in the modern world.
The overall aim of the course it to provide students with a fascinating and challenging introduction to the study of some of the key issues in modern world history and to develop skills needed for further historical study and for transfer into the work environment.On successful completion of the course students will be able to1. Communicate insights into the impact of colonialism and decolonisation in shaping the world post 1945 2. Explain relationships between decolonisation, the cold war and the spread of communism3. Discuss the impact of the struggle for resources on international relations and on the economic, political and social conditions of decolonised and new nations 4. Describe with examples the differences between terrorism and non-violent struggles for political change5. Analyse and discuss primary and secondary sources6. Demonstrate historical insights into modern world history in both written and oral formGeneric/Transferable Skills1. Ability to analyse complex material from a variety of sources and to communicate the results verbally and in written form2. Competence in written academic English language and in formatting and conventions of historical writing3. Ability to both follow instruction and to work independently4. Ability to engage appropriately with a range of people in small group discussion
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Jane Buckingham
Peter Field , Evgeny Pavlov , David Monger , Steven Ratuva and Katie Pickles
W. M. Spellman, A Concise History of the World Since 1945 (New York: Palgrave, 2006)Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2219584/Ghosts-war-Artist-superimposes-World-War-II-photographs-modern-pictures-street-scenes.html
Domestic fee $785.00
International fee $3,500.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Humanities .