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 semester- long ones  A subject not a discipline and therefore draws on various disciplines and include pre- existing 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 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 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