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HIS-20103 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

HIS-20103 - A Very Short History of Socialism
Coordinator: Anthony Kauders Tel: +44 1782 7 33197
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

The module will introduce you to different aspects of the history of socialism, covering the theory and practice of an idea that has had a huge impact on the world in the past two centuries. You will be introduced to key themes in the history of socialism, including the idea of class/class consciousness, the notion that capitalism produces alienation, inequality and exploitation, as well as the conviction that an alternative to capitalism is both desirable and possible. You will also examine the means by which socialists have sought to bring about the transformation from capitalism to socialism/communism, from reforming the "system" through parties, unions and the welfare state to overthrowing the old world with the help of a vanguard party and its auxiliaries. The module will allow you to understand better how people have reacted to colonialism, urbanization and industrialization, topics you have likely encountered in first-year modules such Defining Moments and Modern History. Likewise, it will enable you to appreciate the continued appeal of socialism today.

Aims
To acquaint students with key themes in the history of socialism.
To allow students to appreciate the historiography of socialism.
To allow students to understand the theory and practice of socialism.
To expand on topics (urbanization, colonialism, industrialization) taught at level 4.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/his-20103/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

discuss, evaluate and critically assess a range of primary sources: 1,2
utilize critically primary sources in order to produce historical narratives: 1,2
engage in debate in a sensitive, constructive and rigorous manner: 1,2
discuss, evaluate and critically assess historiographical debates and methodologies: 1,2

Study hours

24 hours seminars
12 hours whole-cohort workshops,
14 hours preparation of assessment 1
50 hours preparation of assessment 2
50 hours preparation for seminars

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Presentation weighted 30%
Group Presentation
ONE 30-minute group presentation Groups will comprise two students Presentations will be marked on an individual basis rather than as group efforts

2: Essay weighted 70%
Essay
1700-word essay, as set by tutor Students will choose 1 essay topic from 10 set questions or, alternatively, a topic of their own choosing related to the weekly themes, upon consulting with the tutor regarding the feasibility of the essay question.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023