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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 211-1"
COURSE NAME: "Twentieth-Century Europe and the World"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Dario Biocca
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the history of Europe and its relations with the larger world from World War I through the aftermath of the Cold War. In it, students investigate the cultural, diplomatic, economic, political, and social developments that shaped the lives of twentieth-century Europeans. Significant attention will be given to the relationship between Europeans and peoples in other parts of the world, the experience and significance of the World Wars and the Cold War, the development of democratic, authoritarian, and 'totalitarian' political systems, and the ways in which everyday life and culture changed during this period.

Satisfies "Modern History" core course requirements for History majors.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The 20th century has shaped our society and our view of the past. Unspeakable tragedies and remarkable achievements characterized changes which redefined the notions of social progress, national identity and political ideology.  The course explores the causes of the outbreak of two world wars, the development of totalitarian utopias and studies the events which occurred during “the short twentieth century”. It also discusses values, principles and beliefs that in the post WWII years led to the building of multinational structures of governance, the advancements made in the realm of science and technology and the deepening of generational gaps. Finally, the course analyzes the transformations which most recently redefined the relations between Europe, the West and the rest of the world.

 

 

 

 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon conclusion of the course students will be able to:

1.     Understand the complexity of European society in its diversity and common roots
2.     Know the history and aftermath of two World wars
3.     Identify totalitarian ideologies associated to political violence
4.     Understand the new pace of progress in science and technology
5.     Verify the depth of the Cold war/East-West rivalry
6.     Recognize the new forms and instruments of imperialist domination
7.     Interpret the present day debate over cultural diplomacy and soft power
8.     Know the background of international organizations such as the EU and the UN
9.     Assess the significance and intensity of demographic, environmental and migration trends throughout Europe and beyond
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participationClass participation means developing arguments, articulating questions, and sharing opinions in and with the class. It also means reading assignments as scheduled and preparing for class discussions. Occasionally topics generate disagreement; class participation requires a genuine effort to accept different and even conflicting opinions. 10%
Midterm examThe midterm exam (1 hour) is divided into two parts. The first is intended to verify the acquisition of factual information (names, places, dates, etc.) from readings and lectures. The second part aims at testing the ability to support a point of view with convincing arguments. Guidelines for preparing for the midterm will be provided one week in advance.25%
Final exam The final exam (two and a half hours) is structured in the same manner. It covers the material assigned and discussed in the second half of the course. The exam also includes two broader, interpretive “open questions”. Guidelines for preparing for the final exam will be provided one week in advance.25%
Written assignmentThe written assignment (10-12 pages) should reflect the student’s ability to examine and discuss a particular issue, problem or debate related to the history of journalism. It may also investigate the professional biography of a reporter or editor. The paper should be the product of a student’s original research. The topic must be submitted to the instructor in advance and must include a preliminary bibliography. The final draft is due on the last day of classes.40%
   

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE
There are no textbooks to buy. All material will be distributed in class and/or made available on JCU Moodle platform.

 

 

 

Week 1. January 21-23 The “Great” War

a.     Europe on the eve of WWI

b.     The legacy of imperialism

 Readings: Folder 1

 

Week 2. January 28-30 The Bolshevic revolution

a.     The 1917 uprising

b.     Russia into Soviet Union

Readings: Folder 2

 

Week 3. February 4-6  The cult of the Duce

a.     The rise of Italian fascism

b.    The new propaganda machine

Readings: Folder 3

 

Week 4. February 11-13 Nazi Germany

a.     Biography of Adolf Hitler and Herman Goering

b.    The Molotov-Ribbentrop pact

Readings: Folder 4

 

Week 5. February 18-20. The Evil Empire

a.     Josif Stalin and the rivalry with Leo Trotzkij

b.     The Moscow “purges”

Readings: Folder 5

 

Week 6. February 25-27 The Spanish civil war

a.     Biography of Francisco Franco

b.    A preview of WWII

Readings: Folder 6

 

Week 7, March 3-5 Review session and midterm exam

Readings: Key—words and open questions

 

Spring break

 

Week 8. March 24-26  Vichy France and the Jews

a.    Strange defeat and D-Day

b.    From the Wannsee conference to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Readings: Folder 8

 

Week 9, March 31st-April 2 The fall of European empires

a.     India, Africa and the Middle East

b.    The establishment of the State of Israel

Readings: Folder 9

 

Week 10 April 7-9 The cold war years

a.     Nuclear weapons and the Berlin crisis

b.    Peace movements and the fate of Soviet intellectuals

Readings: Folder 10

 

Week 11. April 7-9 The European Union

a.     Economic integration

b.     Political integration

Readings: Folder 11

 

Week 12. April 14-16 May 68

a.     The Paris uprising and the Berkeley riots

b.    Red Brigades (Italy), Red Army Faction (Germany) and 

Readings: Folder 12

 

Week 13. April 21-23 The Jihad

a.     The Munich massacre

b.     The Bataclan attack

Readings: Folder 13

 

Week 14. April 28-30 Europe and the world

a.     Europe in the eyes of Europeans

b.    Europe in the eyes of Americans

(Review session for final exam)

Reaings: Key-words and open questions