Fighting the Second World War: British strategy, politics and campaigns, 1939-1945 ADED11698

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

Ranging across strategic, political and military realms, this course explores selected aspects of Britain and the Second World War, with particular emphasis on the war in Europe 1939-1945. Topics covered include Britain's role in the outbreak of the war, Churchill's rise to power, the Battle of Britain, the Strategic bombing offensive, and D-Day. We will engage with primary sources as well as the latest historiography to challenge enduring national myths.

Timetable

Block 2

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

Wednesday, 19:00 -21:00

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1/ An essay of 1,500 words (75%)

2/ One 5-7 minute presentation (or 500-750 word written commentary) examining a primary or secondary source (25%)

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to key aspects of the Second World War, including strategic and foreign relations, as well as military campaigns.

■ Introduce key issues and debates in the history of the Second World War and Britain at that time including the British approach to the war.

■ Provide students with an opportunity to explore and analyse a variety of primary and secondary source materials.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify some of the key aspects of the Second World War, i including strategic and foreign relations, as well as military campaigns.

■ Identify and describe key issues and debates in the history of the Second World War and Britain at that time including the British approach to the war.

■ Recognise and appraise contemporary sources and key historiographical debates relevant to the Second World War.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.