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Hitler's Germany and Fascism (HIST30010)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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With special emphasis on Hitler’s Germany and National Socialism, this subject explores the history of fascism in Europe between 1919 and 1945. The origins, development and significance of the Third Reich are placed in the wider social, cultural and political context of interwar Europe and the rise of authoritarian regimes. Topics include the post-WWI crisis, the emergence of Italian Fascism, Nazi and fascist ideology, the rise of the Nazi movement, the destruction of the Weimar republic, the Nazis’ seizure of power, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini as charismatic leaders, the racist character of Nazi society and politics, the role of women in fascist regimes, the Spanish Civil War, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the origins and development of the Second World War, the nature of the Nazi empire and its global influence.

As a History third level subject, there is a focus on historiography and on the different perspectives and ways of analysing and interpreting the past. Students will become familiar with the work of several generations of historians and with the latest trends in historical research in this field. Political history, diplomatic and military history, social and cultural history, gender history, comparative history, and transnational and global history are the key historiographical approaches discussed in the subject. The subject will also engage with the fundamental public and historiographical debates that have left an imprint on how societies today understand the uncomfortable past of fascist and national-socialist experiences.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate a general knowledge of the principal figures and significant events in the history of fascism and Nazism for the period 1933-1945
  • Gain an understanding of the specific historical context in which fascism and National Socialism emerged and the chief causes of the fascists rise to power, the nature of Hitler's rule and the Third Reich, the ideology and aims of fascists and national-socialists, and the violent and genocidal consequences of their rule
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the major historiographical debates concerning history of Nazism and fascism and an awareness of the variety of interpretive perspectives and categories of understanding that historians have developed in their search for an explanation of these phenomena
  • Be able to analyse critically work of historians and the contributions of historiographical schools
  • Demonstrate research skills using printed and electronic sources in preparation of a substantial research essay
  • Develop skills of critical thinking through group discussion of subject readings and preparation of written assessment.

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A book review

  • 1200 words
Mid semester30%

short tests conducted in tutorials - equivalent to 300 words in total

  • 300 words
Throughout the teaching period15%

A research essay

  • 2500 words
End of semester55%
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Additional details

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorAngel Alcalde Fernandez
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours29 hours: 1 x 1.5 hour lecture every week for 12 weeks and 1 x 1 hour tutorial every week for 11 weeks
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2023
    Census date31 August 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2023
    Assessment period ends17 November 2023

    Semester 2 contact information

    angel.alcalde@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 31 August 2023

Further information

Last updated: 31 August 2023