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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 211-2"
COURSE NAME: "Twentieth-Century Europe and the World"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Dario Biocca
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 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 requirement 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.

Satisfies "Modern History" core course requirement for History majors.
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 tosupport a point of view with convincing arguments. Guidelines for preparing for the midterm will be provided one week in advance.25%
Final examThe 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%
 The 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 the 20th Century. The topic should be discussed in advance with the instructor 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.
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

Syllabus

HS211 – Fall 2023 - 20th century Europe and the world 

Instructor: Dario Biocca ([email protected]) 

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. 

Note on research paper: students may choose to write two 4-page papers or one 8-page paper. More details in class, please note the deadlines (in red) for completing the work.

 

Class schedule: 

 

Week 1 

Introduction to the course - The New Imperialism

 

Week 2 (Jan. 22-24) 
The First World War

 

Week 3   

The Russian revolution – The USSR

 

Week 4 

The rise of Fascism - Nazi Germany 

 

Week 5 

The Second world war (1)

Midterm exam questions posted on Moodle

 

Week 6 

The Holocaust – The Eichmann trial

Deadline for first 4 pages paper

 

Week 7 

The Second World War (2) – Review session

Midterm exam

 

Week 8 

Post WWII Europe - The Berlin crisis 

 

Week 9 

The fall of European empires – The cold war

 

 Week 10 

Europe and the Middle East – May 68

 

Week 11 

The Vietnam years - The Cyprus crisis

 

Week 12  

The USSR from Stalin to Gorbačëv

 

Week 13 

The EU – From German reunification to Brexit

Final exam questions posted on Moodle

 

Week 14 

The EU and America – War in Iraq and Afghanistan

Review session

Deadline for second 4 page paper

Deadline for 8 page paper