War, State and Society

Subject 131-101 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Total of 8 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Erica Mehrtens
Phone: x45953
Subject Overview: This subject explores the transformative and far-reaching effects that war has had on state, society, and the individual throughout history. With an emphasis on warfare over the past 200 years, this subject will focus on how war has changed from a narrowly defined engagement between military forces, to one that has grown to encompass a 'total experience' involving the mobilization of virtually all segments of society both conceptually and in real terms. We will also trace the interconnectedness between the transformation of war and the development of new technology, changed concepts of morality, 'just war', and altered perceptions of the relationship between the state and the individual. This subject draws from and shows how war has not only influenced the history, politics, and diplomacy of nations, but literature, music, art, technological innovation, and expression of the individual.
Objectives:
  • understand the causes, nature and evolution of modern war and its impact on politics, society, economics and culture;
  • understand different historical approaches and understandsome of the historiographical arguments on central themes in modern history.
  • develop the skills needed for basic historical analysis (practice in document reading, and bibliographical searching).
Assessment: A primary source document analysis of 2,000 words 40% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour final exam 50% (scheduled during exam period) and tutorial participation 10%.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • sdemonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;
  • show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;
  • demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Diploma in Arts (History)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History
History
History Major

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