Course Synopsis:

This class focuses upon the history of Europe between the French Revolution in 1789, and the beginning of the twenty-first century. Between these two events, the nations of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and others experienced intense and protracted periods of social, political, and cultural upheaval. This class is designed to examine the ways in which the peoples of Europe perceived and responded to these challenges. Students will examine the evolution of nationalism, popular democracy, changing ideologies such as Communism and Fascism, as well as the changing nature of class, gender and domestic ideology during this period. As a continent with a formative hand in many of the world’s current issues, an awareness of the historical context for European development is of benefit to the student, and they will use a variety of tools to achieve this background. This course proceeds in a largely thematic fashion, and certain lectures may overlap or be out of sync with the wider chronological narrative. Ample space is devoted to considerations of religion, culture, and society, and students are encouraged to bring their own perspectives to these issues.

Course Assessment and Weights:

Reading Response Assignments = 3 x 5% = 15%
Eminent Victorians Project = 15%
Research Essay Proposal = 10%
Research Essay = 30%
Final Exam = 30%
Total = 100%

Required Texts:

T.C.W. Blanning, ed., The Oxford History of Modern Europe (Oxford: OUP, 2000).