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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 210-3"
COURSE NAME: "Nineteenth-Century Europe and the World"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2023
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Dario Biocca
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 3:00 PM 4:15 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 the French Revolution to the outbreak of World War I. In it, students investigate the cultural, diplomatic, economic, political, and social developments that shaped the lives of nineteenth-century Europeans. Significant attention will be given to the relationship between Europeans and peoples in other parts of the world, the development of new political ideologies and systems, and the ways in which everyday life and culture changed during this period.

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

This course explores the history of Europe and its relations with the larger world from the French Revolution to the outbreak of World War I. In it, students investigate the cultural, diplomatic, economic, political, and social developments that shaped the lives of nineteenth-century Europeans. Significant attention will be given to the relationship between Europeans and peoples in other parts of the world, the development of new political ideologies and systems, and the ways in which everyday life and culture changed during this period.

Satisfies "Modern History" core course requirement for History majors.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Readings and class discussions will enable students to identify some of the most unique features of 19th century Europe and provide the analytical tools to investigate the long-term political, social and even psychological ramifications of events that shaped modern Europe and the world. Students will also learn about the institutional changes that took place in individual European countries as well as in local traditions, economic systems and religious values. The study will be conducted through the reading of classic works of modern historiography and the analysis of recent interdisciplinary studies devoted to the rise of a European identity. Thus, students who complete the course will become knowledgeable about the modern roots of European society and fully aware of its various cultural components and traditions.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participationClass participation means becoming involved in class discussions, preparing assigned readings in advance, cooperating for a productive class environment.15%
Midterm examThe midterm exam is intended to verify the acquisition of factual information from readings and lectures. Guidelines are distributed one week in advance and they include a list of keywords and essay questions. 25
Individual paperThe paper (8 to 10 pages) is an individual, original research into a topic that should be discussed in advance with the instructor. In the choice of the subject students should consider that a comprehensive bibliography is essential. A detailed abstract of the project should be provided in advance to the instructor and will be distributed in class for discussion.30
Final examThe first part of the final exam is intended to verify the acquisition of factual information from readings and lectures. Guidelines are distributed one week in advance and they include a list of keywords and essay questions. The second part of the exam is a broad interpretive question on the history of late 19th Century Europe.30

-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

 

Class schedule: 

 

Week 1 (Sep.5-7) 

Introduction to the course - The French revolution

 

Week 2. (Sep.12-14-15) 

Napoleon - The long French revolution(s) 

 

Week 3 (Sep. 19-21) 

Industrialization and the environment - British imperialism

 

Week 4 (Sep. 26-28) 

Karl Marx and the Communist Manifesto – The age of revolutions

 

Week 5 (Oct. 3-5) 

Nationalism: a new Europe? – The Italian Risorgimento

Exam questions posted on Moodle

 

Week 6 (Oct. 10-12) 

The Paris of Baron Haussmann

 

Week 7 (Oct. 17-19)

Review session – Midterm exam

 

Week 8 (Oct. 24-26) 

The Dreyfus Affair

 

Week 9 (Oct. 31-nov. 2) 

Queen Victoria – The German unification

Paper abstract deadline: Nov. 5

 

Week 10 (Nov. 7-9) 

Russia and the Romanov – Europe and the Ottoman Empire

 

Week 11 (Nov. 14-16) 

The New Imperialism – The Belgian atrocities

 

Week 12 (Nov. 21) 

Education, science and architecture - Modern psychoanalysis  

 

Week 13 (Nov. 28-30) 

Impressionism - The Belle Epoque

Final exam questions posted on Moodle

 

Week 14 (Dec. 5-7)

War and Peace: from the Entente Cordiale to WWI 

Review session -