The Second World War was the greatest conflict in history. An estimated 60 million men, women and children died in a war that engulfed the globe and shaped the world in which we live; it is the defining event in the history of the twentieth century. This comparative history course will focus on political, social and cultural aspects of World War Two. It will encompass the war in Europe, and the war in Asia and the Pacific. Topics and themes will include: Hitler and Japan's war aims; Blitzkrieg in Poland and France; the uses of propaganda; civilian mobilisation and total war; the effects of mass bombing; allied leadership, cooperation and division (Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin); civilians under Nazi occupation (collaboration and resistance); racial policies and genocide; wartime espionage; science at war; Japan's occupation of South East Asia; anti-colonialism and the war in Asia; planning for peace and the liberation of Europe; the decision to drop the atomic bomb.

To teach a history of the Second World War, it's origins, its course and its outcomes.

To provide students with an understanding of the major controversies and moral debates surrounding the Second World War.

The following skills will be emphasized.

Critical Analysis:  To be able to read primary and secondary sources critically, perceive bias and possible omission and to filter information relevant to the proposed discussion or essay.

Argument Formation:  To be able to formulate an argument coherently and support it with primary and secondary evidence.

Tutorial participation (10%), one 1,200 word essay (15%), one 3,000 word case study essay (45%) and a two-hour closed book examination (30%).

2 x 1 hour lectures, 1 x 1 hour tutorial.  Preparation time and essay research and writing will take an average 1.25 days a week over the 13 week semester.

First-year courses in History or Political Science to the value of 12 units, or with permission of the Convener.

Kitchen, M., World in Flames, Longman.
Beevor, A., Stalingrad, Penguin.

This course can be counted towards a Contemporary Europe, International Relations or History major and is a designated course for the BA (European Studies).