International History

Program Overview

Students can specialize in Intelligence, Contemporary China, or Russian Studies, and the program is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility and access to expert staff and resources. Graduates gain critical thinking, research, and communication skills for careers in education, government, international organizations, and more.

Program Outline

The program focuses on international relationships, rapid changes over time, regional microhistories, sweeping diplomatic affairs, cultural developments, and military encounters. The program's objectives are:

• To help students develop a deep understanding of the crucial links between past and present.
• To analyze international relationships and rapid changes over time.
• To examine the impact of cultural developments and military encounters on international history.
The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to delve into topics that interest them the most. Using research skills and primary sources, students will produce their own historical narratives, drawing on artifacts and documents from the relevant period. This will equip them with the skills to answer a research question in their dissertation, which can focus on various topics, such as socialist movements in early 20th century Europe, the Vietnam War, or nationalism in Ukraine. Students can choose to specialize in one of three pathways: Intelligence, Contemporary China, or Russian Studies. These pathways allow students to gain specific expertise in their chosen area and enhance their career prospects in relevant fields. The program is delivered entirely online, providing students with the flexibility to study anytime and anywhere. It also includes optional pathways that allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest.

Core Modules:

• Concepts in International History: This module introduces key concepts in international history, specifically related to the study of international history in the modern and contemporary eras.
• The Nation-State and Beyond: This module explores the history of the nation-state and challenges traditional approaches to understanding human societies.
• Dissertation in International Studies: This module is a student-centered piece of independent work where students research and write a dissertation on a topic of their choice.

Optional Pathways:

• Intelligence: This pathway focuses on the role of intelligence in policy and practice, offering students a deeper understanding of contemporary security challenges and policy responses.
• Russian Studies: This pathway examines the history, politics, and culture of Russia, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of this complex and influential country.
• China in Global Context: This module examines China's impact on the world, analyzing its economic liberalization, rapid integration into the global economy, and growing influence on regional and global governance.

Other Modules:

The program also offers a variety of other modules that students can choose from, depending on their interests, such as:

• Modern Warfare
• Global Security
• History of Diplomacy
• International Law
• Decolonization and Development

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays
• Dissertations
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Online discussions
The assessment criteria are based on the learning outcomes of each module and are designed to assess students' knowledge, understanding, and application of the subject matter.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally recognized staff who are passionate about international history. The teaching methods are designed to be interactive and engaging, and students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions and debates.

• Online learning platforms
• Virtual learning environments
• Online study skills resources
• Academic Skills team
• Student Inclusion Services

Careers:

The program equips graduates with the critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary for a range of careers, including:

• Education
• Government
• Foreign and Defense Ministries
• Armed Forces
• Security Services
• International and Regional Organizations
Graduates can also pursue further academic study at the PhD level.

Other:

The program is delivered entirely online, providing students with the flexibility to study anywhere in the world. The program also offers optional field trips to relevant historical sites and organizations, which can enhance students' learning experience. Students can also benefit from the university's extensive library resources, which include a wide range of e-books, journals, and databases.