Course Catalogue

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Some of the most pressing economic and political issues of our contemporary world - from the changing geopolitical role of Russia to the economic expansion of China - find their roots in the rise (and fall) of socialist regimes in the 20th century. Socialism, as an ideology and a form of governance, was a defining feature of the past century's world order. This course examines the history of socialism as a global phenomenon. It does so by focussing primarily on its political, economic and diplomatic aspects, as well as cultural and social history elements.

Lectures: one hour per week.

Seminars: one hour per week.

Please not this course does not run every session. For further information please check the ESH Moodle page

Enrolment in an MA (SocSci) or MA (arts) Honours programme

None

One reflection on a primary source ( 2000 words) = 40%

One essay (3000 words) = 60%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The course aims to introduce students to the social and economic history of socialism in a global perspective. It will support students in understanding how questions of social and economic inequality, (under)development, and self-determination have been addressed by socialist societies at the domestic and international level, and with what results. The course also aims to promote students' critical understanding of scholarly debates in the literature on the global significance of socialism, and their political and ideological foundations. Finally, the course encourages students to develop their critical analysis and put forward arguments on the complex heritage of global socialism.

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

■ Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and systematic knowledge of the global history of socialism

■ Discuss socialism's economic and social ramifications.

■ Critically evaluate theories and evidence relevant to the subject

■ Analyse and reflect upon teleological historical narratives and debates.

■ Demonstrate the capacity to select, analyse, and evaluate evidence and embed it within the theoretical and historiographical framework of the course.

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