History

The course follows the emergence of the modern media environment from the middle of the 19th century up to the 1940s. The thematic focus is on the interwoven development of various media, nations, and nationalisms. For example, telegraphy's infrastructures, the changes in the late 19th century press, how the newspaper staff were transformed from litterateurs to journalists, advertising and consumption in mass society, how sound media such as the radio, the telephone and the phonograph were developed from public to private listening, early film and media, and propaganda during the two world wars are examined.

The course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Humanities, providing insight into this dynamic and emerging area and demonstrating how to integrate humanities subjects and perspectives into other domains of research and policy. Through a series of case studies (e.g., what can be learned from literature, history, and philosophy about climate change, the human relationship with nature, and the role of emotions in sustainability debates), the course offers basic knowledge on how to broaden, understand, and critically examine environmental issues and sustainability efforts.

This course explores the Choson Dynasty, its scholars, and the history of Confucianism in Korea through readings from The Annals of the Choson Dynasty and related research works. It examines the dynasty’s founding, governance, and policy making while interpreting historical debates between kings and officials. Emphasis is placed on analytical approaches to historical materials, fostering independent judgment and an appreciation of Korean history within the broader East Asian context.

This module explores the role of powerbrokers and stakeholders in the shaping of the sexual politics of modern Ireland. It asks questions about how power was mediated and framed in modern Ireland and why ideas of sex and morality were important. It examines the role of key players, such as the state, the law, the churches/voluntary organizations, campaigners and the media. Central questions considered are: How did concepts regarding sex inform ideas of citizenship in Ireland? How did legislation shape people’s sexual relationships and sexual lives? What role did the churches play in the contemporary framing of sexual relationships? How did ideas about sex inform health and welfare policies? How did the law reinforce certain beliefs about sex and sexuality? How and why did a particular narrative about Irish sexual cultural as pathological and harmful emerge? Can we identify key moments of change in the sexual politics of twentieth-century Ireland?

This course examines the way that models of inheritance have impacted upon politics and society over the last two hundred years. It covers the disturbing biopolitical history of genetics right up to the present day, unpacking the relationship between science and politics whenever the idea of breeding better humans has been mooted. 

This course investigates Asian and European history from a global perspective through the analysis of both primary and secondary historical materials. The course compares how how Iberians and English/Dutch established their presence in East Asia, especially in Japan.

The course covers the following topics:

• Introduction: The Age of Discovery and Global History
• Portuguese expansion in Asia - The Estado da India I and India II.
• Iberian traders and slavery in East Asia
• Spain and the Manila Galleons
• The Jesuit enterprise - Christian missions in East Asia
• East India Companies and factories - Dutch and English in Japan
• European Diplomacy vs. East Asian diplomacy
  
   

Utilizing both academic research and literary/artistic expression, this course contributes towards gaining critical and dynamic analytical perspectives on urban transformations in the Arab region, especially in newly formed cities-turned-capitals like Amman and Kuwait. The course visits precolonial societies in the region, their precolonial interactions and modes of communal existence, and then considers the effects of colonialism, border-drawing, and postcolonial identity construction and its enduring effects in modern cities whose inhabitants go through various degrees of identity questioning, alienation, and conflict. The course also looks at the effects of authoritarianism, neoliberalism, commodification, and self-centered consumerism on urban transformations and malformations.

This course explores the historical development of football in England and its broader social, political, and economic contexts to provide a deeper understanding of modern sport culture and industry. From its origins in public schools and working-class communities to the globalization of the Premier League, changes in club ownership, fan culture, and media dynamics, the course examines a wide range of topics including how football has changed and exerted influence within social contexts such as imperialism, class, popular culture, and media. By engaging with key moments and transformations in British football, students gain critical insights into the structures and issues that shape the contemporary sport culture and industry. 

The course provides an overview over some of the most important aspects of Nazi Germany – covering political, cultural, social and military history. The course provides insights into one of the darkest, most disturbing and most formative periods of modern European history. The course aims to pay particular attention to different and conflicting interpretations of how the Third Reich came into being and why Hitler’s dictatorship proved to be one of the most murderous in history. Particular attention is paid to racial thinking, the Holocaust and the question of European collaboration with the Nazis. The course aims to improve the students’ capacity to engage with historical interpretations and different methodological approaches.