This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
A History of War
UndergraduateGRF-HSY3152025
Scour the history books to see how war is narrated and what it says about recording history. Delve into the ethical questions about war. Pursue a greater understanding of how it has shaped our world. Be on the lookout for war analysis’ recurring themes.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 6 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 14 July 2025
- Price from
- $2,124
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
A History of War
About this subject
At the completion of this subject you will be able to:
- identify central themes in the history of war;
- understand the place of war in world historical context;
- recognise and compare the different ways in which war is narrated historically;
- employ analytical thinking skills and reflect critically and ethically on the above issues;
- apply ways of thinking about war to thinking about world history;
- employ analytical thinking skills and reflect critically and ethically on the above issues;
- analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of historical images and texts;
- develop sustained, logical and informed arguments;
- appreciate and evaluate the variety of approaches to the history of war;
- draw on a knowledge of ideas and texts to understand the complexities and dynamics of war throughout human history.
- The Body in War
- Heroism and Atrocity
- Pax Imperatoria? Conquest, Empires, and Order
- The 'Just War’ Tradition and the Ethics of War
- Empire and Colonial War in the 18th and 19th Centuries
- War Since 1945
For millennia humans have waged war and come to understand themselves and others through the experience of war. This subject explores the different ways that we can understand what war means – how it has changed across time, what are the rights and wrongs of war, who are its victims, and how it has shaped the modern world. Understanding this history enables us to think more clearly about how war has shaped the modern world, and how the changing nature of war remains central to humanity's hopes for the future.
- Short Essay (30%)
- Long Essay (50%)
- Online Content Modules (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University.
Explore Griffith courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 18
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 21
Entry requirements
Others
Note: Level 3 subjects normally assume a moderate level of prior knowledge in this area, eg from studying related Level 1 and 2 subjects or other relevant experience.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.