131-460 Fascist Europe

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history.

This subject is a comparative study of European fascisms from the end of World War I through to 1945. The primary focus will be on the fascist movements and regimes in Italy, Spain and Germany, but attention will also be given to the fascist movements in Romania, Hungary, France and Britain. Students will deal with issues such as the preconditions and precursors of fascism, the nature of fascist ideology, and the character of fascist regimes. The subject will also explore some of the basic interpretive problems concerning the definition and theory of fascism: whether there is such a thing as 'generic fascism', how useful the term is for historical analysis, and whether the interwar period can correctly be labelled as the 'era of fascism'.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A seminar presentation 10% (during the semester), a book review of 1500 words 25% (due in week 7), and a research essay of 3500 words 65% (due at the end of semester).

• P Morgan, Fascism in Europe, 1919-1945. Routledge 2002.