European History 1800-Present

COURSE OBJECTIVE
To improve knowledge of the history of Europe from an international perspective in the modern and contemporary era; To make students familiar with different important concepts, theories, methods and sources that are used within the broader field of political history; To inform students about the history behind contemporary societal challenges and stimulate them to participate in debates about perspectives on and developments behind such challenges.

COURSE CONTENT
This course offers an overview of the history of Europe from an international perspective since 1800. Events, periods, concepts, developments and persons that played an important role within that history will be critically discussed during a series of lectures, such as the revolution of 1848 throughout Europe and its resonances in the wider imperial world; the two world wars and the Cold War; imperialism, state-building and the emergence of supra-national organizations; key historical figures like Woodrow Wilson or Margaret Thatcher. During several classes European developments will be explicitly linked to specifically Dutch as well as wider international developments. Students will also learn about debates among historians how to understand certain developments and be introduced with concepts, theories, methods and sources from the field of (international) political history.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures as well as a weekly feedback seminar to discuss the handbook chapters in more detail.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Midterm, final exam and presentation.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A background in humanities.