BA (Hons) WAR STUDIES
Undergraduate programme (Specialist and Joint Options)
University of Wolverhampton
School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences
Content of Presentation
•
What is War Studies?
•
Brief outline of course structure and programme
specifics
•
Content (modules) and progression
•
Teaching and assessment
What is War Studies?
“War Studies is a multi-disciplinary programme that brings together areas of study
such as history and politics within a distinctive theoretical framework. The
programme concentrates on a number of key issues of warfare from the late
nineteenth century onwards, strategic thought, contemporary security debates
and the future of warfare.”
Good example because:
 Includes most typical features of modular awards
 However unlike many awards at UoW combines year-long modules with semesterlong ones
 A subject not a discipline and therefore draws on various disciplines and include preexisting modules
 No pre-ordained curriculum; can be designed/developed around staff interests/
expertise
Brief outline of course structure and
programme specifics
•
Specialist and joint options
•
Specialist award requires:
–
–
120 credits (typically 8 x 15-credit modules) in each year/level of study
To include 90 credits of core/core option modules and 30 credits of ‘elective’
modules
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There are 3 Core (compulsory) modules in year one and 1 Core module
each in years 2 and 3
•
System of pre-requisites applies
Content (modules) and progression
•
See module listings provided
•
WR denotes dedicated war studies modules; PO,HS, AM coded modules
are drawn from other subjects/awards
•
Level 1: essentially ‘foundation’ modules dealing with key concepts,
theoretical/intellectual foundations for later study
•
Level 2: survey/’bigger picture’ modules (‘applied’ study)
•
Level 3:study becomes more specialised
•
Clearly cores more important at level 1; at level 3 increasing emphasis on
independent learning
Teaching and assessment
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Normal teaching format is mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Fieldwork
included for some modules
•
Seminars include: individual and group presentations; structured
discussion of short texts and historical materials - i.e. videos,
cartoons/paintings tutorials
•
Teaching and assessment develop subject-specific knowledge and
understanding - also designed to develop key skills
•
At level 1 following skills are emphasised: use IT; gather information (locate,
interpret, analyse); work in teams to develop cooperative and leadership
skills
Teaching and assessment
•
Sample assessment:
 WR1002: Group Work Campaign (20%); 1750 word essay (20%); 1750 word essay
(20%); exam (40%)
 WR2000: Fieldtrip learning journal (25%); Extended ‘project essay’ (75%)
•
Alphanumeric grading system used (A16-F0); A,B,C,D = pass grades; E,F = fails
grades
•
Formal student feedback on modules via Module Evaluation Questionnaires (sample
provided)
Key Skills
1.
COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY – WRITING, ORAL PRESENTATION, LISTENING SKILLS
2.
ORGANISE – OBJECTIVE SETTING, TIME AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, &
EVALUATION
3.
ACT INDEPENDENTLY
4.
USE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
5.
GATHER INFORMATION – LOCATE, INTERPRET, ANALYSE (PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY)
6.
WORK IN TEAMS – COOPERATE/LEAD
7.
PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES – ANALYSE HISTORICAL AND MILITARY DATA
SITUATIONS, SIMULATE STRATEGIC THINKING
* SKILLS 4,5 AND 6 EMPHASISED AT LEVEL ONE ; 3 BECOMES PARTICULARLY
IMPORTANT/EVIDENT AT LEVEL THREE