EU1PRE45-The Making of Modern Europe (1) : Europe to 1945
Module Provider: European Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level:
4
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Summer
Module Convenor: Professor
JM
Félix
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0
Email: j.m.felix@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
As the first core component of the European Studies BA programme, this module aims to introduce students to the development of a Europe of nation states between 1789 and 1945, focusing on state structures, national identities and aspirations to democratic rule, and conflict within Europe’s international system.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be expected to:
Additional outcomes:
This module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and pair/group presentation skills, as well as core skills of library research and referencing of sources.
Outline content:
Students will be introduced to the development of the national idea as it grew out of the French Revolution, and the challenge it represented to Europe’s ruling dynasties, exemplified by the ‘revolutions’ of 1848. The course will compare and contrast the processes of state formation in Germany and Italy in the third quarter of the nineteenth century, before analysing the sources of international instability that preceded World War I. The course will conclude with the role of twentieth-century ideologies, particularly communism and fascism, in transforming the political landscape of Europe between 1920 and 1945.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Major themes will be introduced through lectures. Lectures will be paralleled by small group seminars incorporating student-prepared presentations and group discussion. In the Summer term there will be 2 sessions of revision.
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 10 | ||
| Tutorials/seminars | 10 | 2 | |
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | |||
| Total hours | 20 | 2 | |
| Number of essays or assignments | 1 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
Assessment:
Coursework
Students will write one essay of 1,800-2,500 words to be handed in, in two copies (hard copy: one of the two copies only to bear the student’s name), plus cover sheet, to the European Studies Secretary by midday on the first Wednesday of the Spring term following the course. Essays are subject to moderation by a second internal examiner.
Relative percentage of coursework: 33%
Penalties for late submission
10% of the total marks available will be deducted where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any later deadline formally agreed by the Programme Director and the School Director of Teaching and Learning). Once this period has elapsed, a mark of zero will be recorded.
Examinations
One three-hour exam paper to consist of three questions
Requirements for a pass
40%
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September.
Last updated: 7 December 2009