Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of European history from the First World War emphasizing the origins and effects of the World Wars, the emergence of the Soviet Union and of fascism. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a survey of the social, political, and cultural transformation of Europe from the beginning of the twentieth century through the early years of the twenty-first. We will explore the period leading up to the First World War; the culture and politics of the interwar years; the experience and lasting impact of the Second World War; the ideologies, agents and events of the “Cold War”; decolonization and immigration; the development of the European Union; and the contemporary landscape of Europe “post-911”. Considering the metamorphoses of European nations and populations in global perspective, we will examine the impact of changes within Europe on imperial territories and peoples in colonial and “postcolonial” terms. Throughout the course, we will pay particular attention to the impact of large-scale political events and changes on the social and cultural identities and everyday lives of communities and individuals.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students in this course will have the opportunity to develop their critical reading, writing, and research skills through the completion of a number of different assignments. Examining a range of primary sources, from diplomatic documents to first-hand accounts of events, to visual art, music, film, and literature, students will become more fluent in the analysis of the different types of evidence available to historians. Students will also be introduced to some of the basic methods of historical research essential for the completion of more advanced assignments in History courses at the 300 and 400 levels.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: