AD3007 - Explorations in War and Conflict 1

What will I learn on this module?

On this module, you will learn about several examples of war and conflict, including the English and Irish Civil Wars, the two world wars and the Shoah. You will explore the multi-faceted way historians, writers, critics and artists have engaged with conflict, and work with a diverse range of sources and media on the subject of war and conflict to hone your analytical skills, historical and cultural understanding of war and conflict. In the process, you will practice team-working and presentation skills, as well as traditional research and essay-writing skills.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn on the module through a stimulating range of lectures and seminars. Your learning will be supported by the excellent library facilities, and by resources made available to you through the e-learning portal. Each week you will be given a preparatory activity (e.g. set reading, a source search) which will form the basis of your explorations in class for that week. Sessions will be delivered by the module team to ensure you benefit from their particular expertise across a range of disciplines.

By attending the lectures and seminars and undertaking the assignments you will be supported to achieve the module learning outcomes. As you explore war and conflict you will develop foundational knowledge in research skills, time management, IT skills, critical thinking and evaluation as well as academic communication skills.

In addition to learning during contact hours with the module tutors, you will undertake the directed learning of the preparatory activities as well as independent learning. Independent learning generally will take the form of further reading and research, the consolidation of session materials and the completion of the assessment.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module handbook provides details of sessions, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutors will be available in taught sessions, as well as in feedback and consultation hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to fulfil your academic potential on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the first summative assessments will also serve as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module. In addition, you have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes:
• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)

You are advised to see your Personal Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. demonstrate a capacity to understand, analyse and evaluate competing arguments.
2. development of your knowledge about conflict.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3 demonstrate skills in structuring and presenting a cogent argument.
4 demonstrate a capacity to evaluate primary and secondary sources including material objects and digital media.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5 demonstrate an awareness of the importance of clear academic writing and accurate citation.

How will I be assessed?

Formative:
Essay Plan:
You will write a 500-word plan outlining which essay question you will address, the argument and structure of your essay, and an overview of secondary research materials.
(MLO 1-5)


Summative:
Presentation:
You will give a team-based presentation focusing on one topical aspect covered on the module, to be confirmed by your tutor.
(MLO 1-5)

Essay:
You will write a 1500 word essay on a topic chosen from a list supplied by your tutor. (MLO 1-5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module invites you to explore the themes of war and conflict across the Humanities, and how war has been written about by both historians and writers over time. You will engage with a wide range of literary and historical sources documenting international war and conflict, from the English Civil Wars to the Second World War and the Shoah. You will engage with historiographical interpretations of the causes, effects, and justifications for these wars. You will analyse textual and visual representations of war and conflict, and analyse examples of wartime speeches and propaganda.

Course info

UCAS Code L8L9

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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