Central European History

Course Description

The goal of this course is to familiarize the students with the political, social and cultural developments in Central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and for the context mainly Holy Roman Empire and Habsburg monarchy, event. Ukraine and Russia) from the early Middle Ages to the present. Emphasis will be given to the comparative aspects of national histories of Central Europe with the main focus on the 19th and 20th century. The objective is based on examination of the main themes such as origins and developments of states in Central Europe, role of Christianity, Holy Roman Empire, main features of the Habsburg monarchy, building of modern political nations, nationalism and communism, First and Second World War and the Cold War. Particular attention will be paid to 1918, the year of fundamental changes and rebirth of Central Europe and the collapse of Communism, on various aspects of Communism, de-communization and democratic transformation of Central Europe. The course is intended for both undergraduate and graduate students. The graduate students will receive additional reading and video materials (documentary and art) so that they can investigate, based on independent study, specific issues of Central European history. The undergraduate students will be not excluded from this extra work and they are welcome to do it on a not required basis (for extra credit). The same applies to mid-term and finals.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
– Comprehend and have a clear understanding of the role of Central Europe in a larger context of European history;
– Analyze and evaluate the main historical processes, events and personalities of Central Europe;
– Intensify their knowledge of Central European specifics through a documentary and art movies and examination of archival documents and other sources.