REGULATIONS FOR THE MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN GLOBAL HISTORY (AH19)
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme seeks to:
1.1 include more regions and peoples in the human story
1.2 identify and answer new questions about the world we study—whether as local communities or planet-spanning systems.
1.3 examine migration and exchange, global empires, cultural transfers, and more.
1.4 explore the various trajectories of cross-border entanglements across the globe. -emphasise the entanglements between specific regions and global structures.
1.5 understand the forces that have continuously shaped and restructured the world.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants to this programme should normally hold a good Honours Degree in a relevant field such as History, International Studies/Affairs, Development Studies and Economic History. The Department may, at the discretion of the Departmental Board, require an applicant to attend a pre-admission interview or examination to satisfy itself of the candidate’s ability to complete the programme applied for. Eligibility will not guarantee admission.
AREAS OF STUDY
Historical Methods and Research Skills, the Global System since 1945, globalization, Environment and Strategies for Human Development, Decolonisation, New States and the Global System, Gender, Labour and Migration, National Identities and Global Citizenship.
SPECIALIST FOCUS
Environment and strategies for human development, international terrorism, gender and labour migration
ORIENTATION
The programme takes a multi-dimensional approach. Tolerance of different historical backgrounds will be taken into account.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
Presentations by specialists such as international civil servants, guest speakers, war veterans, NGOs and so on. Grooming potential academics and researchers. Independent research.
Book reviews
EMPLOYABILITY
Successful completion of your Master’s degree opens up a wide range of occupational fields. You will be able to pursue a career in academia, to support international NGOs, or to join research institutions and associations. Graduates work in related areas such as museums, policy think-tanks, national and international civil services, non-governmental organisations, galleries, libraries and historic trusts. Others enter business, media, public administration or marketing. In addition, your knowledge and skills will be in demand in policy consulting and internationally operating companies. Global historical questions are also becoming increasingly important in museum and exhibition work, as well as in journalism. The Master in Global History at Midlands State University will also enable you to do a doctorate as it is above all committed to the education of qualified future historians.
PROGRAMME DELIVERY
A specialised methodological and historiographical course will help the student appreciate the distinctiveness of contemporary history; its use of radio, television, film, and internet-based sources such as Wikileaks; and its methodology. This rigorous skills training will be supplemented by a variety of topical, specialised options, covering virtually every distinctive approach to history (e.g. political, social and economic) and every region on the globe, underlining the increasing globalisation of our recent past.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES.
The programme aims to produce graduates who will be able to develop and apply sound conceptual, analytical and critical skills that are required for an in-depth study of varied issues and themes in Global History. Graduates of this programme should be able to new forms of knowledge and competencies relating to Global history in a culturally diverse environment.
DEGREE STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester1
Code Module Description Credits
MAGH 701 Historical Methods and Research Skills 20
MAGH 702 The Global System since 1945 20
MAGH 703 Globalisation, Environment and Strategies for Human Development 20
MAGH 704 Decolonisation, New States and the Global System 20
MAGH 705 Gender, Labour and Migration 20
Elective
MAGH 706 National Identities and Global Citizenship 20
Level 1 Semester 2
Core Modules
Code Module Description
MAGH 707 Africa and the Modern World 20
MAGH 708 Europe and Russia since 1945 20
MAGH 709 Asia and Global Connections since 1945 20
MAGH 710 International Terrorism 20
MAGH 711 The Americas and the Pacific Basin since 1945 20
Elective
MAGH 712 Global Challenges in the 21stCentury 20
Level 2 Semester 1
MAGH 713 Dissertation 90
MODULE SYNOPSES
MAGH 701 Historical Methods and Research Skills
The module is concerned with the handling of primary and secondary sources in history, aspects of objectivity, subjectivity and professionalism in history. The module provides a more intensive focus on the qualitative and quantitative research methods in research. The inter-disciplinary research skills are also emphasised.
MAGH 702 The Global System since 1945.
This module brings to light the roles played by different countries in global politics and economics as the wealthy and powerful Western nations and the Communist bloc competed for influence in the rest of the world. The new global political configuration which covers the roles played by the Cold War and superpower rivalry in global politics is given emphasis.
MAGH 703 Globalisation, Environment and Strategies for Human Development
The module covers issues relating to population and management of resources. Attention is given to pollution and resources management, energy and the environment, politics and environment, environmental ethics and hope in changing economies, societies and cultures.
MAGH 704 Decolonisation, New States and the Global System
The module covers the struggles of Asian, African and Latin American societies to end domination by Western nations and the proliferation of nationalist movements. In some cases, these nationalist and revolutionary struggles led to interventions by Western powers or the USSR anxious to preserve their political and economic influence. The module addresses political change and conflict, hopes and frustrations for the New States born of globalisation.
MAGH 705 Gender, Labour and Migration
The module provides a general overview of the geography of gender in developing market economies. Gender, sexuality and male dominance in relation to industrial change and divisions of labour are discussed. The causes, nature and impacts of labour-related migrations are discussed. Insights are also provided for research directions in gender.
MAGH 706 Africa and the New World Order
The module considers the legacy of colonialism for Africans, the resurgence of a new imperialism, Africa in world politics and economy and African adaptiveness and resistance to global pressures.
MAGH 707 Europe and Russia since 1945
The module covers the remaking of European Nations and the European Community, Europe and NATO in the Cold War, Soviet Union in the Cold War, Soviet Decline and Reform. The module also embraces the New Russia and New Nations then Europe and Russia in the global system.
MAGH 708 The Middle East and New Conflicts in the Contemporary World
The module explores the reshaping of the Middle East, Arab Nationalism and Israel in Middle Eastern politics. Regional conflicts – Iran and Iraq war and the importance of the Oil resource in world politics.
MAGH 709 International Terrorism
The module examines the historical and ideological roots of terrorism. Terrorist movements’ strategies/methods and their connection to extreme religious and political movements. Movements’ attempts at ethical and political legitimation are considered.
MAGH 710 The Americas and the Pacific Basin since 1945
The module deals with the United States as a superpower in the global system, relations with revolutionary Cuba, and the development of despotism and democracies in Latin American and Caribbean Societies.
MAGH 711 Asia and Global Connections since 1945
The module examines the resurgence of Southeast Asia, focusing on politics and society in Indonesia, Philippines, Burma and Thailand; economic changes and political challenges in the global system in relation to diversity and prosperity in Malaysia and Singapore then the remaking of China and Japan in the global system.
MAGH 712 National Identities and Global Citizenship
The module focuses on the historical development of the notions of the individual and the self, ethnic, and national identity, the idea of nation-state and national sovereignty in various parts of the world, global citizenship in the political, social and religious discourse from the mid- twentieth century.
MAGH 713 Dissertation
The Dissertation is a 15000 to 20000 paged document based on wide research in the area of study.