CD1HI4-The Roaring Twenties and the Hungry Thirties
Module Provider: School of Continuing Education
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level:
4
Terms in which taught: Spring and Summer
Module Convenor: Dr
SJ
Smith
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0
Email: sarah.j.smith@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
This module aims to introduce students to the study of history by focusing on a particular chronological period and looking at the causes and consequences of continuity and change over the long term, in the political, social, economic and cultural systems under study. Specifically, this module aims to provide students with an understanding of key trends and issues in America and Europe during the interwar period (1918-1939).
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
Additional outcomes:
Oral communication and group skills should be developed as a result of class discussion and presentations; information-handling, problem-solving and written communication skills can be improved through coping with essays and class debates. IT skills can be developed by the use of relevant web resources and databases and through word-processing of coursework. Examination of primary source material can aid critical and analytical skills. Students will also have learned some time management skills and will have worked as a group and in teams.
Outline content:
This module will involve the study of two historical 'landmarks' and one 'text'. The landmarks are selected to provide students with an appreciation and understanding of important aspects of social, economic, political and cultural change. In each case, students will become familiar with the narrative of the topic, will explore aspects of its historiography and will examine notions of cause and effect and periodisation in respect of the topic. The landmarks under consideration in this module will be the Wake of World War I (1918) and the Wall Street Crash (1929). The students will also study a 'text' in order to become acquainted with the problems and issues associated with the handling of historical source material. Detailed consideration will be given to the origins and the nature of the text and to the purpose for which it was created. Students will also examine its context and the ways in which the text relates to the module's landmarks. The text for this module will be James Whale's film, Frankenstein (1931).
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
One two-and-a-half hour session per week for 12 weeks, plus one 5-hour Saturday session and one tutorial. Teaching methods include a short lectures, structured class discussion, oral presentations and team activity. There will also be opportunities for students to examine and analyse primary source material.
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 25 | 10 | |
| Tutorials/seminars | 0.5 | ||
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | |||
| Total hours | 25.5 | 10 | |
| Number of essays or assignments | 2 | 1 | |
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
Assessment:
Coursework: Students will undertake three assignments (one formative and two summative), consisting of an essay and two others, which may take the form of a presentation, team exercise or other written assignment (e.g. a case study, critical interpretation/analysis, short answers, simulation exercise, etc.)
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Penalties for late submission: Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations: There will be no formal examinations.
Requirements for a pass: A mark of 40% overall.
Re-assessment arrangements: Re-assessment of coursework in the summer vacation.
Last updated: 7 December 2009