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HIS-20078 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2021/22 Last Updated: 16 February 2022

HIS-20078 - Power in the Modern World
Coordinator: Anthony D Kauders Tel: +44 1782 7 33197
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

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.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/his-20078/lists

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: 1,2
to conduct substantial independent research, involving a detailed study of historical materials: 1,2
to read critically, demonstrating a deep understanding of historical and intellectual context: 1,2

Study hours

10 seminars
10 lectures
40 seminar preparation
60 preparation and writing of essay
30 preparation of group presentation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 70%
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.

2: Oral Presentation weighted 30%
15-minute group presentation plus Q & A
Students with give oral presentations on questions set in class. Each presentation will last approximately 15 minutes, followed by Q&A that can take up to further 15 minutes. The assessment would Groups will consist of 2-3 students, depending on seminar sizes Members of groups will be awarded the same mark, provided the same amount of work is invested.

Please note that for the 2021/22 Academic Year all programmes will be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there will be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 16 February 2022