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The twentieth century is central to students who wish to understand history, international relations and the contemporary world. This global era is also an important area of study for students intending to teach Modern History in secondary schools. The course is therefore useful for Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) students. The course will also provide students with advanced skills in critical thinking, enabling future research and life-long learning.

This subject will focus on World War Two and its impacts on the twentieth century. You will explore questions about the causes of armed conflict, and the nature of `total war' including its social, economic, cultural and political consequences for modern global history. You will examine topics such as: the situation of Europe and Japan after World War One; the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany; interwar diplomacy and its failure to preserve peace; the origins of World War Two in Asia and Europe; the barbarism of warfare including the Holocaust; and the legacy of total war, such as the development of international human rights legislation and the Cold War.

On completion of this course students should have:

1. examine the principal figures and significant events of World War Two;
2. critique the concept of total war and investigate its impact on politics, society, economics and culture;
3. evaluate some of the historiographical arguments on topics related to World War Two and the practice of total war;
4. analyse primary and secondary sources in constructing historiographical arguments;
5. apply advanced research skills using printed and electronic sources in preparation of a critical secondary source analysis;
6. apply advanced skills of critical thinking through group discussion of subject readings and preparation of written assessment.