IR4511 An Anatomy of Fascism
Academic year
2026 to 2027 Semester 2
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 10
Planned timetable
Thursday
Module coordinator
Dr J S Murer
Module Staff
Dr Jeffrey Murer
Module description
Fascism is often spoken of today but is rarely examined as a political ideology. There are frequent references to fascism and the far right, but the relationship is rarely explored. What are the distinctions between Conservativism, Revanchist politics, fascism, neo-fascism, and Nazism and Neo-Nazism? This module examines the earliest development of fascist ideology from the rise of French and Italian Syndicalism to the perversions of racialism in German National Socialism, through the concepts of historical materialism, organicism and Anti-Rationalism, and the introduction of biological racialism as counter ideological movements to Marxist Socialism and Liberal Rationalism. The module will examine and engage contemporary nationalist and traditionalist movements in Europe and the United States, and will evaluate the fascist threats of the twentieth-first century.
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 100%
Re-assessment
Examination = 100%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
Three hours per week (x12 weeks)
Intended learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary political theory and the core tenets of these theories
- Distinguish between different theoretical types of political ideology and violence, including fascism, Nazism, revanchism, revolutionary socialism, and others
- Recognise different regime types and forms of violence, and different psychological motivations for violence
- Show an ability to think critically and analytically, and to closely and critically read texts
- Demonstrate their skills in formal writing and in presenting oral arguments