Summer 2026 - HIST 106 D100
The Making of Modern Europe (3)
Class Number: 1588
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Lauren Rossi
lnf@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the major political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual developments that have formed modern European society. Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
The Question of Europe, 1750-1989
This course, an introduction to European history, offers an examination of the political, social, economic, and cultural forces that shape contemporary Europe. Amid the backdrop of the last three centuries, five key historical events serve as anchors in a broader chronology: the French Revolution; the Industrial Revolutions; the emergence of modern nationalism; imperialism and colonization; and the world wars and their legacy. We will consider each of these events in turn as we situate them within the broader themes of shifting political ideologies (liberalism, socialism, communism, nationalism); revolutionary changes in society (industrialization and urbanization); the spread of European influence across the globe (via colonization and the rise of settler colonialism); the unprecedented carnage and devastation of the world wars and genocide; and the cold war that shaped post-1945 Europe, and the ultimate collapse of the Soviet Union. The course also emphasizes the regional diversity of and differences within and across Europe.
Students will develop analytical skills through a close reading of different primary sources and the use of evidence in constructing arguments and interpretations, which they will be expected to employ in their tutorial assignments and writing.
Grading
- Primary Source Analysis 10%
- Tutorial Participation 20%
- Book Review 20%
- Midterm Exam (in-class) 25%
- Final Exam (take-home) 25%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
John Merriman, A History of Modern Europe (4th edition)
Marx & Engels, The Communist Manifesto (any edition – several free online)
One of:
- Primo Levi, If This is a Man (or Survival in Auschwitz) (any edition)
- Marie Doduck, A Childhood Unspoken (to be distributed in class)
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Learn more about studing History at SFU:
History areas of study
Why study History?
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.