Europe Re-made introduces you to the key developments that transformed European society between 1789 and 1919. At the start of this period, on the eve of the French Revolution, Europe was predominantly an agrarian society with very limited industrial and urban development. In most European states, landed elites were still dominant as a conservative influence resistant to political and social change. By 1919, Europe had been transformed into a society in which state power lay in the hands of urban-based political parties with industry and trade as the dominant forms of economic activity. The module is primarily concerned with the broad political, economic and social influences that caused this transformation which was of immense significance not only for Europe but also for the course of world history during the twentieth century.

Imperialism, Liberation, Globalisation examines some of the main events, political and social movements, economic developments and ideologies which dominated the twentieth century around the world. You will study the rise and fall of the great ideologies of Communism, Nazism and Fascism, the causes and outcome of the Second World War and the development of the Cold War between the Super Powers after 1945. The module will also look at international relations and the global economic system after the fall of the Soviet Empire in 1989-1991.

History and Society: Theory, Practice and Impact introduces you to the conventions of academic history and outlines a range of concepts and ideologies that are regularly employed within historical discourse. The module also examines the way that history and ideas about the past are employed in a wide variety of non-academic contexts, such as politics, popular culture and journalism.

Introduction to Political Concepts and Theory explores the foundations of political analysis and the concepts, approaches and methods through which we understand the subject. The module will critically examine the core ideas central to the study of politics.

Introduction to Political Systems and Institutions immerses you in political institutions and systems, focusing mainly on the UK but also using examples from the US. The module is designed to give you an introduction to, and understanding of, how politics works in practice in terms of institutions, systems, personnel and campaigns.  Focusing mainly on the UK, teaching will also draw on some examples from the US.

Introduction to International Relations recognises that it is difficult to understand politics today without having an understanding of how states relate to each other. The module explores the relationships of states to each other and to international and supranational institutions. The global trends and pressures which impact on and influence politics and policy making will also be considered, as well as the role of non state actors, such as non-governmental organisations.

TLC1010 Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated element of your degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.

Comparative European Politics examines the government and politics of France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland on a comparative basis. The module will explore in a systematic manner through the application of a number of theoretical models the nature of the systems of government and politics in the three states.

Policy Making considers the complexities of making policy in the modern public sector. Public policy makers do not operate in a vacuum and their policy-making autonomy is bounded by a number of considerations including knowledge, law, power, resources and public opinion. The module seeks to demystify policy-making by systematically introducing you to the key policy-making stages, theories, methods and key debates, locating them in practical real-world contexts. Policy is of course often justified by reference to research. The module will therefore also focus on key research methods, enabling you to understand the research needs of policy makers as well as to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to conduct some of your own research.

Communism in Eastern and Central Europe After 1945 examines the rise, stagnation, collapse and ongoing legacies of the communist experiment that ruled half of Europe during the decades after the Second World War. The module examines both the Soviet Union itself during the post-Stalinist era and the countries of east-central Europe, allowing you to choose to study the history of Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania or Yugoslavia. This history is of growing relevance to you, given that twenty years after its collapse the communist period can now be seen in historical perspective, and given the close relationships which many of the successors to these states have developed with the UK since the enlargement of the European Union in 2004 and 2007.

Mission and Manifest Destiny: U.S. Foreign Policy and Expansionism 1840-1939 examines the process of frontier expansion within the United States during the nineteenth century. The module assesses the impact of the move west on native American populations and also the ideological justifications advanced to justify this expansionism, such as mission, manifest destiny and American exceptionalism.

Rise to Globalism: U.S. Foreign Policy Since 1939 examines the rise of the United States as a global superpower from American entry into the Second World War in 1941 through to the present day. It examines the extent to which the ideology underpinning U.S. foreign policy, under successive administrations, has been shaped by American historical experience and values, such as the concepts of American exceptionalism, mission and manifest destiny. You will also study the challenges facing U.S. foreign policy planners from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama and the effectiveness of the various strategies that have been advanced to overcome them. The module examines both the opportunities and limitations on the exercise of American power in the modern world.

Digital Detectives provides extensive practical experience with digital archives and will help you to develop a range of advanced digital research skills. Digital tools and archives are becoming increasingly central to the process of historical research. The module will be taught entirely in computer rooms and will take the form of weekly two-hour workshops. The historical content of the module will be structured around the history of crime and society in 18th and 19th century Britain.

Introduction to Contemporary French History: From the 1930s to the Present covers a subject that is both related to and distinct from the familiar Hitler and Stalin centric stories of 20th century Europe. You will examine the history of contemporary France during turbulent periods of political conflict and social change before, during and following the Second World War and France’s subsequent wars of decolonisation in Algeria and elsewhere, as well as its politics and society today. By taking up this comparatively rare opportunity to study the recent history of an important neighbouring country, which is often stereotyped and misunderstood in the UK, you can develop a wider international awareness.

Making History is a placement-based module in which you will apply your historical skills and knowledge to a public-facing project of your choosing. You will have the option of either identifying an external partner yourself (subject to approval from the programme team), selecting from a list of approved external partners, or working on a public history project within the department. The precise nature of each project will be determined through discussions between yourself, your tutors and external partners but each project should involve making meaningful use of the historical skills and knowledge you have developed during your degree.

The World of the Crusades examines the history of one of the most important phenomena of the Middle Ages. The module looks at the evolution and varieties of crusading in the Middle East and Europe from 1095 until the end of the Middle Ages and attempts to give you an understanding of this complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. In examining the causes that led to the emergence of crusading, the aim is to familiarise you with the religious and political culture of Europe and the Middle East. By charting the evolution of the movement, you will gain a wider understanding of medieval history. The module will also consider the effects of the crusades on Europe, the Middle East, Christianity, Islam and East-West relations, paying considerable attention to the afterlife of the crusades and their use in modern discourse and politics.

Islamisms: Religion, Politics and Colonialism from World War I to ISIS delivers a history of the development of Islamist (political Islamic) movements from World War I to the present day. The module incorporates literatures and approaches which focus on social history and colonialism to historicise and contextualise the study of political Islam. With a broad geographical spread, from South and West Asia to Europe, the module makes use of case studies to highlight the diversity of thought and practice in political Islam and the historical relationship of Islamic political formations to the rest of the world.

Global Revolution: The Postcolonial World Order, 1896-1957 reflects on how, for thousands of years, perhaps starting with the Akkadian empire of ancient Mesopotamia in the 3rd millennium BCE, empire and colonialism were the norms of political order around the globe. In the 20th century, however, that ceased to be the case; not only did the nation-state become the most common political structure, but the very idea of colonialism was discredited and disavowed by global political institutions. The module examines why this change happened, with a particular focus on the British empire. Starting in 1896, you will begin with examining the Second International’s decision to commit itself to the right to national self-determination. The module progresses through the first half of the twentieth century and slightly beyond, culminating in an exploration of the post-colonial independence of Malaya and Ghana, two years after the Bandung conference of Asia-Africa nations in 1955, which asserted the principle of national self-determination as the basis of a post-colonial world.

Political Ideologies explores the principle ideas, significance and impact of the major political ideologies in contemporary political life. The module first considers the nature of political ideology and then proceeds to examine and critique each system of ideas and consider the context that shaped their birth, development and evolution. You will also examine the ways in which political ideologies influence or determine political choices in contemporary societies.

The Politics of Migration acknowledges that migration is one of the key paradigms of the 21st century. To understand many of the trends and events in the world today, it is necessary to understand what migration is, how it is represented and ‘managed’, and how it is experienced, whether directly or indirectly. The module will introduce you to a range of theoretical traditions of migration, as well as a variety of case studies from both the UK and overseas, to enable you to understand and analyse a phenomenon that is highly relevant in contemporary politics.

Contemporary US Politics looks at politics in the US today and in the recent past.  It focuses on major trends and key developments while exploring in some detail the key institutions relevant to US politics. Focusing on the US politics from the Reagan presidency onwards, the aim is to equip you with an understanding of one of the major ‘theatres of politics’. You will explore key aspects of recent presidencies, the development of the role of Vice President, the US candidate selection system, the funding of political campaigns, the operation of Congress and State Houses, legislative processes, trends in party management and development, as well as any emerging news stories.

Elections and Voting Systems looks at elections and voting systems across a range of countries. Anyone wanting to work in a political environment needs an understanding of how elections work and the significance of any changes.  It was, for example, a system change in the Labour Party, as part of the Collins Review in 2014, that made it possible for Jeremy Corbyn to be elected. The module analyses the importance of each system and focuses on the many pressures for change in terms of who votes and when.  The countries will be chosen in a way which provides a good range of systems and makes use of current events.

Preparing for Work in Politics looks at the various activities which make up the world of work (both paid and unpaid) in politics.  It will enable you to begin thinking about your potential place in this vast area.  Focus will be placed on current examples of particular pieces of political work, for example party management, internal reform, selection campaigns, conference organisation, and motion and policy writing. You will also examine a variety of roles, from elected representatives to MPs’ assistants, think tank researchers, civil service staff, political bloggers, party activists and campaigners. The aim is to help you better understand a variety of areas of politics and identify those in which you have an interest and may wish to explore further.

TLC2000 Language 2 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC1010 Language 1. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

Independent Research Project enables you to undertake an extended piece of research, on a topic of your own selection. Extended research is at the heart of history as an academic subject, and this module provides you with an opportunity to independently deploy the skills and knowledge you have acquired. You will frame your own research question(s) and conduct primary research using libraries, archives, digital depositories and other appropriate sources and resources. You will present your case in either written and/or visual form and be able to demonstrate the clear relationship with existing scholarship on your chosen subject.

Strategic Political Communications looks in depth at political communication and how it is used by various players in the political arena. It is impossible to understand modern day politics without understanding how politicians and campaign groups communicate.  This module builds on your understanding of political systems and practices and analyses pieces of communication in a critical way.

Black Life and Black Protest in the United States 1895-1945 examines African American life and history from the 1890s through to the end of the Second World War. It considers the reasons for the widespread introduction of racial segregation in the United States at the end of the nineteenth century and its impact on African American communities. You will examine the efforts of African American leaders to challenge discrimination, from Booker T. Washington through to Asa Philip Randolph, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. The extent to which developments in this period sowed the seeds for the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s are also considered.

Black Life and Black Protest in the United States Since 1945 analyses the reasons for the emergence of the post-war civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The contribution of leading individuals within the movement, like Martin Luther King, is also examined together with the life and career of Malcolm X and the Black Power movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The module concludes by assessing the legacy of the civil rights era for present day race relations and the extent to which the election of Barack Obama in 2008 means that the United States can now be described as a post-racial society.

Seeds of Conflict in the Holy Land 1840-1923 examines the origins of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict before the commencement of the British Mandate for Palestine in 1923. The module analyses the development of Zionism and Palestinian Arab nationalism under the Ottoman Empire, British support for Zionism in World War I, and the escalation of political conflict and violence by the 1920s. A principal focus will be the impact of the War.

British Rule in Palestine explores the origins and development of British rule in Palestine, a seminal chapter in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Middle East and the British Empire. The module focuses on the political objectives and impact of British rule in Palestine, with particular reference to the evolution of the Zionist-Palestinian conflict.

The Special Relationship: Britain and the USA concentrates on the major diplomatic, economic and cultural meeting points of arguably the two most influential nations of the 20th century. You will study how their relationship – at times good and at times bad – influenced the course of international history. It is a relationship of unparalleled closeness and complexity which persists into the present day. By analysing the principle issues that arose between these two competitive yet cooperative states, we may be in a position to judge to what extent the relationship actually deserves the epithet ‘special’.

History: Interpretations and Context explores the close relationship that history has with contextual developments within wider British society, in the period from circa 1840 to the present day. The relationship operates in both directions, as history and perceptions of the past act to inform notions of national identity and national values, through popular cultural media. By exploring the relationship between history and wider British society, the module also introduces you to the uses made of the past in a number of areas of employment, such as advertising, TV production, the press, marketing and commerce. You will reflect on how popularly held notions of national identity become points of connection for journalists, politicians and advertisers with the population at large.

Politics Work Placement gives you the opportunity to identify, apply for and take part in a work placement in a political or politically related field.  The process is supported by politics tutors and a dedicated work placement team. You will also attend preparation and reflection sessions which will focus on themes such as job searches, time management and workplace disciplines, and the specific needs of particular employers.

Advanced Parliamentary Studies equips you with a thorough and deep understanding of the workings of the UK Parliament and Parliamentary systems. The module explores the history, culture and potential future of Parliament, examines aspects of Parliamentary process in-depth, and considers related issues such as regulation and ethics. You will have the opportunity to interact with practitioners from the workforce in the Houses of Parliament.

A Is For Activism equips you with knowledge of global politics and in particular the role that mediated activism has to play in it. After defining activism and exploring both public and digital public spheres, the module will critically evaluate the successes and failures of new, online forms of activism and assess their role in transforming political structures and systems. You will discover how to communicate information and concepts effectively, develop reasoned and informed critiques, and source and explain arguments emanating from primary and secondary sources.

Guns and Government: The Politics of Northern Ireland addresses the profound transformations in Northern Ireland society and politics in the period from 1990 to 2018 which saw the end of the Troubles, the development of the Peace Process and the establishment of the devolved Stormont Assembly as well as its recent history of collapse and democratic impasse. You will develop an in-depth knowledge of British, Irish and Northern Irish history and politics and critically evaluate the international, national and local political and social factors underpinning the Northern Irish public sphere and democracy.

The Think Tank looks at the role that think tanks play in politics and influencing policy-making and change. The tasks carried out by think tanks are relevant across a wide range of political, media and other practice. This module provides you with an in-depth understanding of the work of think tanks, as well as practical experience in carrying out that work and producing a product. You will take a policy area, research it in depth, produce policy ideas, identify outlets for pursing those ideas, and produce a product online.

TLC3000 Language 3 further enhances your language skills in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish and introduces you to a new culture and way of life. It is suitable if you have studied the prior language module in the previous year of your degree or if you can demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from module TLC2000 Language 2. You will develop language skills to a level of proficiency that will enable you to spend time living or working abroad. Classes will be conducted as much as possible in the target language. They will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.

HIS2032 Digital Detectives (20 credits) and HIS2036 The World of the Crusades (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2.

POL3010 The Think Tank (20 credits) added as an optional module in Year 3.

The programme is now available to study on a full-time or part-time basis. It was previously available full-time only.

HIS2037 Islamisms: Religion, Politics and Colonialism from World War I to ISIS (20 credits) and HIS2038 Global Revolution: The Postcolonial World Order 1896-1957 (20 credits) added as optional modules in Year 2.

HIS3022 History: Growth and Context (20 credits) removed as an optional module in Year 3.

HIS2035 Making History (20 credits) changes from compulsory to optional in Year 2.

POL3010 The Think Tank (20 credits) removed as an optional module in Year 3.