The Second World War was the greatest conflict in history.  60 million men, women and children died in a war that engulfed the globe and shaped the world in which we live.  This course focuses on political, social and cultural aspects of the war in Europe, Asia and the Pacific.  Themes include: Hitler and Japan’s war aims; Blitzkrieg in Poland and France; civilian mobilisation; the effects of mass bombing; civilians under Nazi occupation; racial policies and genocide; espionage; Japan's occupation of South East Asia; anti-colonialism and the war in Asia; the decision to drop the atomic bomb.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the history of the Second World War, its origins, its course and its outcomes.

2. Understand the major controversies and moral debates surrounding the Second World War.

3. Understand the different models of interpretation that have been used to explain key aspects of the Second World War.

4. Critically analyse primary and secondary sources, identify bias and possible omission, and assess the relevance of information to the particular topic under discussion, using the basic skills of historical inquiry and historical analysis.

5. Apply evidence and theory, formulate arguments and express their views in both oral and written form.

Tutorial participation (10%) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]

One 1,000 word essay (20%) [LO 2,3,4,5]

One 3,000 word case study essay (40%) [LO 2,3,4,5]

A two-hour closed book examination (30%) [LO 1,4,5]

2 x 1 hour lectures, 1 x 1 hour tutorial.  Students are expected to commit 7 hours of private study per week.

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

If you believe you have met the prerequisites for this course, but are having difficulty enrolling, please contact the convenor of the course for a permission code.

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).