International History

International Lives

Module code: HIPO70480

The Nation-State And Beyond

This module takes you on a journey through the many scales on which historians have understood human societies, ranging from the individual and local to the national, international and global. We often think of history within the bounds of the nation and the nation-state – ‘British’, ‘French’, ‘Chinese’, ‘Indian’ or ‘Australian’ history, as if these categories and their borders have always existed. Using primary and secondary materials, including images, audio and video, you will explore the ways in which nations are constructed, and how the states which give them political form have emerged and developed over historical time. You will also explore approaches to history which challenge and transcend the nation and nation-state, at the smaller and greater levels, and which emphasise the entangled nature of human relations.

Module code: HIPO70494

Concepts In International History

This module introduces you to key concepts in international history, specifically related to the study of international history in the modern and contemporary eras. The module will help you to transcend narrow or regional studies of history and remove some of the limitations inherent in such an approach. The module will consider the problems of definition, the historical background and evolution of each concept and finally the application of the concepts by historians over time.

Module code: HIPO70489

Dissertation In International Studies

Module code: HIPO70477

Intelligence In Policy And Practice

Module code: HIPO70479

Russia And Russian Security

Russia and its role on the international stage is hugely topical and deeply contentious at this moment. This module is specifically designed to help you understand this subject more deeply and think about appropriate policy responses from a non-Russian perspectives. Teaching and learning can be done partially in the Russian language for those of you looking to practice their academic Russian language skills.

Module code: HIPO70493

China In Global Context

On this module you will be introduced to China and will examines its place in the contemporary world. You will begin with an examination of the external world’s impact on China during the past two centuries, the violations of Chinese territory and sovereignty, and the Chinese perceptions of its historic relations with external powers. You will learn about the process of Chinese economic liberalisation and China’s rapid integration into the global economy since 1979, critically assessing the growing impact of China on the world. You will study China’s economic power through an examination of the Belt and Road Initiative and through China’s role in regional and global governance. The module will move on to look at China’s relations with Russia, Central Asia, the Global South, the United States/NATO and China’s growing influence in the polar regions. You will become familiar with contemporary debates regarding the impact of Chinese power in regional organisations; on international normative structures; and on relations of global power. The module will conclude by critically assessing claims that the West, and the United States in particular, are now in a new Cold War, with China as the key protagonist.

Module code: HIPO70488