UCIL31212 (10 Credits)
UCIL31712 (20 Credits)
Fears surrounding nuclear weapons remain prominent today and have been so ever since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War Two. This unit offers you a unique opportunity to learn about these fears, the global history and politics of nuclear weapons, and the cultural expressions of the nuclear age.
Nuclear weapons have shaped world politics in decisive ways through proliferation and testing, accidents, and global events such as the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. In the unit, you'll study how global nuclear threats have been a critical feature of recent history up to today's nuclear terrorism and the emergence of new nuclear powers such as North Korea. You will also develop an understanding of nuclear culture through film, literature, poetry, television, music, art, cartoons and more, while exploring how nuclear weapons have transformed our society at large and human affairs.
The unit aims to:
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
Identify the origins of nuclear weapons and the debates surrounding their use from 1945 onwards
Describe the reasons underlying the proliferation and control of nuclear weapons and their effect on international politics and military strategy
Assess the roles and relationships of nuclear science and states during and after the Cold War
Analyse cultural expressions of the nuclear age including film, literature, poetry, television, music, art, cartoons, video-games and architecture
Evaluate the broader impacts of nuclear weapons on society through education, gender relations, protest movements and more
Prepare written reviews/essays aimed at different audiences
In addition, for 20 credits:
Research and write a literature-based, independently-conceived review, drawing on your interests and integrating historical, technical and cultural contexts
10 Credits
Students will select TWO out of the following THREE coursework assignments:
Each one of the selected assignments will contribute 50% towards the final mark.
20 Credits
Students will select TWO out of the following THREE coursework assignments as below:
Each one of the selected assignments will contribute 25% towards the final mark. Plus a 3000-word project report (50%)
UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines.
UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.
If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.
You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.
This unit is also available with a different course unit code. To take a UCIL unit you must choose the unit with a UCIL prefix.
Simone Turchetti
10 Credits
11 x 1 hour online lectures
11 x 1 hour face-to-face seminars
NB Student must be available to attend the full 2 hour class each week
20 Credits
Students have the same contact hours as above plus a fortnightly 1 hour seminar alternated with one-to-one meetings with unit convenor.
