School of Humanities  
 
 
HIS-20078 Power in the Modern World  
Co-ordinator: Dr Anthony Kauders   Tel:33197  
Teaching Team: Miss Amanda  Roberts, Mrs Christine  Edge, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
American Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
American Studies Minor (Level 2)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 2)
History Dual Honours (Level 2)
History Major (Level 2)
History Minor (Level 2)
History Single Honours (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
None
Description

What is power? How is it attained, maintained, and relinquished? Who
has power, and for what reasons? Is it located in individuals, groups,
classes, or nations? How does it change? This course covers models, theories,
and themes that address the question of power since the French
Revolution. The module seeks to examine the impact of specific historical
forces, including nationalism, fascism, state building and imperialism.
It also endeavours to assess different explanations for power in the past
two hundred years, including gender, Marxism, and post-structuralist
approaches (Foucault, Bourdieu). The course will provide students with
the analytical tools to study the nature of power as it emerged in
the modern period.
Aims
To introduce clearly defined themes that are essential in examining the nature of power since the French Revolution. To assess the explanatory range and force of various models and theories of power in different historical contexts. To accentuate the volatility of power, its multifarious sources and impact.
Intended Learning Outcomes
analyse the themes of and historiographical background to the module in a highly reflective manner, demonstrating verbal, organizational, intellectual, and reflective skills. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
to read critically, demonstrating a deep understanding of historical and intellectual context. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
to conduct substantial independent research, involving a detailed study of historical materials. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Study hours
7 seminars
10 lectures
20 seminar preparation
20 completion of weekly portfolios
20 preparation for and completion of formative assessments
40 preparation for and completion of essay
33 preparation for and completion of exam
Description of Module Assessment
01: Exam weighted 40%
Unseen examination
The students will have to answer two questions out of eight. The exam requires the students to demonstrate detailed knowledge of and critical reflection on various aspects of power within specific historical contexts. The exam will also be judged on the basis of well-organized and clear argumentation.
02: Essay weighted 40%
2000-word essay
The students will be able to choose from a range of essay questions dealing with the nature and manifestations of power in the modern world. This will require students to do research on a specific topic, gain considerable knowledge thereof, and then demonstrate the ability to reflect and write critically on it. A feedback session will alert the students of necessary improvements.
03: Portfolio weighted 20%
Six, one-page reflections on readings
Students will have to hand in 6 portfolio contributions (ca. 1 page each), allowing them to reflect on their readings in a critical rather than purely descriptive manner.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.