131-154 The World Since World War Two: 1945-1972

Formerly available as 131-007. Students who have completed 131-007 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. It is recommended that this subject be taken in conjunction with 131-155 The World Since World War Two: 1973-2002.

This subject deals with the history of the postwar world, from the atomic bombing of Japan in 1945 to Australia's withdrawal from Vietnam in 1972. The Cold War, decolonisation, and cultural change during the sixties form the broad areas of study. The theme of the subject is the meaning of freedom, an issue explored with reference to the Iron Curtain, McCarthyism, the partition of India, the Algerian and Vietnam wars, neocolonialism, and mass movements from Civil Rights and Women's Liberation to the anti-war moratoriums. The postwar 'free world' with its economic and political institutions is compared with the postwar Communist bloc and post-colonial states, with their alternative rhetoric of emancipation. On completion of the subject, students should have a solid understanding of postwar world history.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay of 2000 words 45% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour written exam 45% (due during the examination period), tutorial attendance and class participation throughout the semester 10%.

A subject reader will be available.

• D Reynolds, One World Divisible: A Global History Since 1945. W W Norton 2001.