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HIS31700

Academic Year 2024/2025

Origins of the First World War (HIS31700)

Subject:
History
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
History
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor William Mulligan
Trimester:
Autumn and Spring (separate)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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
Specified Learning Activities

95
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Lectures

11
Seminar (or Webinar)

22
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 a semester-long 3,500 word research project, as well as an essay.
Autonomous learning is advanced through student-led debate and discussion of set
primary sources and / or student presentations each week.
Generative AI may be used to support study in this module, subject to the instructions of the module coordinator and in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy. The Module Coordinator will provide further information during the module.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


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


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
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. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Students will write one essay (2000 words), choosing from a selection of questions set out in the module handbook. Week 9 Graded No
30
 No
Individual Project: Students will conduct a research project and submit a research paper, circa 3,500 words. During the semester, students will make one presentation, in the week related to their research paper's theme. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 15 Graded No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
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.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 09:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 09:00 - 10:50
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