HIS31700 Origins of the First World War

Academic Year 2024/2025

The origins of the First World War remains one of the most controversial episode in modern history. This module will examine not only why war came about in 1914, but also how the European great powers maintained peace between themselves for over four decades following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/1. We will examine key developments in European politics, such as the formation of alliances and the resolution off major crises. We will analyse key themes, such as the role of the military, the impact of imperial expansion, and commercial relations. The module will conclude with an assessment of the July crisis, showing how peace between the European powers finally collapsed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, the student should:

1) understand the key events, issues, and personalities in international politics.
2) interpret key documents concerning the outbreak of the war.
3) understand the historiography about the the origins of the war.

Indicative Module Content:

The following topics will be addressed over the course of the module: 1) The Formation of Alliances; 2) Imperial Expansion and Wars; 3) Resolving Crises and Keeping the Peace; 4) Visions of War; 5) The Role of the Military in Foreign Policy; 6) Commerce and International Politics; 7) Finance and International Politics; 8) Public opinion and foreign policy; 9) International Law and Restraints on War; 10) The July Crisis

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

11
Seminar (or Webinar)

22
Specified Learning Activities

95
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

223
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a small-group, seminar-based module. It is taught through a one-hour weekly
lecture and a two-hour seminar. The weekly lecture provides an overview of the
week’s topic, focusing upon key historical trends, debates and events. The weekly
seminar is focused upon individual active / task-based learning by means of class
debates, discussion and student presentations. Advanced research, writing and citation
skills are developed through a combined individual student presentation on primary
sources and written essay, and a semester-long 4,000 word research project.
Autonomous learning is advanced through student-led debate and discussion of set
primary sources and / or student presentations each week. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
HIS31840 - Great War: culture/consequence


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Participation in Learning Activities: This is based on participation on weekly seminars, including asking questions, demonstrating understanding of sources and documents, and collaborating with classmates. n/a Graded No

20
Individual Project: Students will conduct a research project and submit a research paper, circa 4,000 words. n/a Graded No

50
Assignment(Including Essay): Students will write one essay (1,500 words), choosing from a selection of questions set out in the module handbook. n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written feedback is provided to each student after the submission and grading of their essay and research paper. Students can also arrange to meet the module coordinator to discuss feedback.