131-124 Total War in Europe: World War One

Formerly available as 131-012. Students who have completed 131-012 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject will focus on Europe in the First World War and raise questions about the causes of armed conflict, the nature of total war, and the consequences (social, economic, cultural and political) of war in modern European history. Topics include: pre-1914 European society and the military, the origins of WWI, the experience of war for soldiers and civilians, constructing a meaning for the war, the character of total war, the cultural responses to total war, and postwar peacemaking.

• 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 short essay of 1500 words 35% (due mid-semester), a research essay of 2500 words on a set topic 55% (due end of semester) and tutorial participation 10% (throughout the semester)

A subject reader will be available

• Niall Ferguson, The Pity of War. Penguin.