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Dictators & Democrats: The Modern World (HIST10015)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - On Campus
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In this subject, you will explore the global history of dictatorship and democracy in the past two hundred years, considering what social, economic, cultural, and geographical factors facilitate the development of the one or the other. 
Drawing on examples from Asia, America, Africa, Europe, and Australia, you will explore the many variants of dictatorship and democracy as well as their successes and failures. 
At the end of the subject, you will be equipped to understand not only the political history of the modern world, but also our present.
This subject forms part of the pathway “political and international history” within the History major. 


Dictators & Democrats: The Modern World is available as a Bachelor of Arts Discovery subject, supporting your introduction to university and fostering connections within your course. If you are taking this as your Discovery subject, you will need to concurrently complete the Joining Melbourne modules. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Discuss the history of dictatorship and democracy in the modern world
  • Analyse the complex social, economic, and cultural contexts of dictatorship and democracy
  • Distinguish the difference between primary and secondary sources available for the study of dictatorship and democracy, and modern political history more generally
  • Build a historical argument on one case study, based on both primary and secondary sources, and communicate it clearly in a variety of media.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Develop critical and analytical skills (including argument identification and analysis)
  • Communicate effectively (written and oral)
  • Engage with real world ideas and problems
  • Adapt social, ethical and cultural contexts through the contextualisation of judgments
  • Consider multiple viewpoints in a responsible and ethical manner
  • Work productively in diverse groups. 

Last updated: 26 November 2025