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

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

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.