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HISTORY 201-2 : Europe in the Modern World

Description

Industrialization, representative democracy and liberalism are often considered the hallmarks of “modernity." But as this course will make clear, there was no “big bang” moment of enlightenment, during which people finally recognized the obvious merits of technology and individual liberty. Instead, these changes were piecemeal, ambiguous, and contentious.

This introduction to the history of Modern Europe will offer new perspectives on the idea of historical “progress”: What are the catalysts of change? Does change happen because of individuals or social forces? How did people in the past react to change? Who is change for and who gets left behind? And, finally, how has the very idea of “progress” influenced the unfolding of modern history? Special emphasis will be placed on the themes of class, nation and empire.

History Area of Concentration: European

Attendance at first class is mandatory.