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HIS-20143 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

HIS-20143 - World Wars and the Age of Extremes
Coordinator: Aristotle Kallis Tel: +44 1782 7 34145
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Take a journey through the so-called ‘age of extremes’ (1900-1989), marked by whirlwind change but also crisis, conflict, and violence. Explore a world of war and revolution; of competing utopian visions - like socialism and fascism - challenging democracy; of hopes for peace and freedom frustrated, only to rise again. Building on knowledge gained in your first year, you will further develop skills in engaging with key concepts that shaped past and present, analysing documents, and communicating with wider audiences.

Aims
The module aims to enhance the students' knowledge and skills in analysing the history of extreme ideologies, of worldwide conflict, and of democratic crisis across the world in the 20th century. By engaging in evidence-based inter-disciplinary and comparative analysis of global case studies, students will engage critically with the political, social, intellectual, and technological factors that shaped the 'age of extremes'.

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply project management, collaboration, and presentation skills to the co-creation of a scholarly digital exhibit that communicates historical analysis to diverse audiences: 1
analyse the rise of extreme ideologies in the first half of the 20th century, by focusing on ideas, discourses, and practices: 1,2
appraise the reasons that put democracy under intense pressure and encouraged revolutionary and authoritarian alternatives in the course of the 20th century: 1,2
critically evaluate the causes and devastating effects of conflict in the global 20th century through systematic analysis of primary and secondary sources: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
- 12hrs seminars
- 12hrs interactive lectures/workshops
- 2hrs group supervision
Independent Study
- 36hrs seminar preparation
- 18hrs asynchronous collaborative work
- 18hrs preparation for presentation
- 48hrs preparation for individual contribution to the group project
- 4hrs collaborative online work

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Assessment weighted 60%
Group Project
A group project, in the form of a digital exhibit, on one of the themes/case-studies covered at the seminars or on an alternative topic decided between the tutor and the project team. A standard template for the exhibit will be provided by the tutor to ensure fair evaluation. The final assessment grade will reflect both the quality of the individual contribution and the clear evidence of effective teamwork. Each student will be graded on their individual contribution to the project (c.1500 words; 2/3 of the assessment grade) as follows: • Quality of historical research and source analysis; • Critical engagement with themes covered on the module and application of knowledge to case studies; • Effective communication through the digital medium; • Contribution to collaborative planning and execution; Evaluation of teamwork (1/3 of the assessment grade) will be based on (1) individual reflective statement (300 words) documenting each student’s specific contributions and collaborative processes; and (2) submission of a group project log (template provided by the tutor) tracking meetings, task allocation, and decision-making.

2: Presentation weighted 40%
Seminar Presentation
Individual presentation (c.10 mins or 650-800 words) on a theme covered by the module's seminars. Each presentation will be assessed according to the following criteria: - 60% of the grade for the quality of the live presentation (content, analysis, and delivery); - 20% of the grade for the quality of the presentation slides submitted on the KLE (quality and design); - 20% of the grade through peer-assessment, where students evaluate and provide feedback using a standardised rubric.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026