Total War in Europe: World War Two

Subject 131-279 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 8.5 hours per week
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first year history.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: 131-127 Total War in Europe: World War Two
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

Coordinator

Dr Steven Welch

Contact

Steven Welch

s.welch@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: The war launched by Hitler in September 1939 became the second total war of the twentieth century. This subject will explore the causes of armed conflict, the nature of total war, and some of the consequences (social, economic, cultural and political) of total war in modern European history. Among the topics which will be covered are the following: the situation of Europe after World War I, the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany, interwar diplomacy and its failure to preserve peace, the origins of WWII, the barbarization of warfare, the Holocaust, the war crimes trials and the legacy of total war.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should...
  • understand the causes and nature of modern, total war and its impact on politics, society, economics and culture • have an understanding of some of the historiographical arguments on central themes in modern European history
  • develop the skills needed for basic historical analysis (practice in document reading, in bibliographical searching, developing an argument, writing a research essay
Assessment: An essay of 1500 words 45% (due mid-semester) a two-hour final exam 45% (during exam period) and a tutorial journal, 500 words 10% completed throughout the semester. Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to be pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available 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: Students who successfully complete this subject should
  • Demonstrate 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 context through the contextualization of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.
Notes: Formerly available as 131-127. Students who have successfully completed 131-127 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History
History
History
History Major

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