HIST239-17S1 (C) Semester One 2017

The First World War: Total War in Europe

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 20 February 2017
End Date: Sunday, 25 June 2017
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 3 March 2017
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 19 May 2017

Description

The First World War is often described as a total war. Between 1914 and 1918 over 9 million combatants were killed and European nations deliberately targeted civilians for attack. Governments gave themselves extraordinary powers over people’s lives as they tried to turn whole societies, economies and cultures to the war effort. The results of this ranged from social and political reform to revolution, genocide and the collapse of empires. Students will explore the war’s impacts on the people of Europe, investigating its origins; military, political and social developments; and the legacies of both peace diplomacy and war cultures. Focusing primarily on Britain, France and Germany, this course asks how the experience and endurance of total war affected Europe, and what this meant for the modern world.

(Image: "Cheshire Regiment trench Somme 1916", licensed under [public domain.)

Learning Outcomes

  • By the time you have completed the course, you will be expected to demonstrate:

  • A broad knowledge of the military, political, social and diplomatic history of the First World War in Europe.
  • A broad knowledge of the main historiographical debates in the field.
  • An ability to formulate cogent interpretations of the most important historical developments relating to the First World War.
  • An ability to answer broader questions about the role of the First World War in shaping European politics, society, culture and international relations.

Prerequisites

Either 15 points in HIST at B grade or better or 30 points in HIST or Ancient History (CLAS111, CLAS112, CLAS113) with a passing grade. Alternatively, a B average in 60 points.

Restrictions

HIST301, HIST302, HIST305, HIST339

Course Coordinator

David Monger

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
First Essay 25%
Second Essay 25%
Tutorial participation 10%
Final Exam - 2 hours 40%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $732.00

International fee $2,975.00

* 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 .

All HIST239 Occurrences

  • HIST239-17S1 (C) Semester One 2017