This unit will explore key political, economic and social developments since 1945. Drawing on a range of methodologies of historiography, it will provide students with an historical framework and conceptual tools to more fully understand the world they live in. Topics: * Total history and its methodologies * The nature and consequences of the Cold War * Decolonisation: European, Asian, other * The Cold War, 1945-1991 * Islamic resurgence in the late 20th century and beyond * Changing international power relationships in the early 21st century * The emergence of the new economic Asian super powers