Module: HIS7005-30 Politics and its Discontents

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: David Coast and Cliff Williamson

Module Tutor Contact Details: d.coast@bathspa.ac.uk and c.williamson@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module

This module explores the interplay between political ideas, the mobilization of activists, expressions of resistance and the responses of the state. It is trans-historical and international in focus, and aims to equip you with an advanced understanding of political conflict within and between political parties, social groups and nations. It will explore the history of political thought, placing these ideas and their development in historical context, before examining a series of historical and contemporary case studies of political conflict.

You can use this module as a foundation for your final dissertation or public history project, in negotiation with the respective module co-ordinators. Try to see this part of your planning for the course as a whole, and the ways in which you can put together the content of each module to support and inform your final piece of work.

2. Outline syllabus

The module consists of a series of seminars in which we will explore sources and case studies. Some of the major topics to consider may include:

• The history of political thought
• Protest, riot and rebellion
• Human rights
• Nationalism and the state
• War, peace and justice
• Fascism, dictatorship and democracy
• Colonialism and neo-colonialism
• The politics of the Muslim world
• The politics of immigration

You will be able to examine and test these broad concepts and contexts through the analysis of specific examples and case studies.

3. Teaching and learning activities

Seminars, presentations, debates, reading and discussion of core texts, discussion and analysis.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Project proposal (1000 words)
• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Research Project (3000 words)
• % Weighting: 80%