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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS-RS 345"
COURSE NAME: "Europe since 1945"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Dario Biocca
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: One previous history course. Co-requisites: EN 110; Recommended: Junior Standing
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
History Research Seminar: 300-level history courses designated by the prefix HS-RS indicate courses being offered as Research Seminars. These courses are writing-intensive and help to train students to carry out original research by guiding them through the preparation of a significant research paper. History majors are encouraged to take these before their senior year, and especially before the semester in which they prepare their thesis.
This course is an advanced survey of the history of post-war Europe. The legacy of the Second World War, the extension of Soviet power in Eastern and Central Europe and the rebuilding of Western Europe will be examined in detail in the context of the emergence and unfolding of the Cold War, the end of European Empires and the birth and widening of common European institutions. Attention will be given to the transmission and circulation of ideas, the challenges of socio-economic modernization and secularization, and the dynamics of continental and transcontinental migrations. The course will end with a discussion of the redefinition of Europe, of its identity and its relations with an increasingly globalized world after the end of the Cold War. This course will also explore the challenges historians face in studying the more recent past along with some of the approaches and analytical tools they use to do so.

Satisfies "Modern History" core course requirement for History majors.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
History Research Seminar: 300-level history courses designated by the prefix HS-RS indicate courses being offered as Research Seminars. These courses are writing-intensive and help to train students to carry out original research by guiding them through the preparation of a significant research paper. History majors are encouraged to take these before their senior year, and especially before the semester in which they prepare their thesis.
This course is an advanced survey of the history of post-war Europe. The legacy of the Second World War, the extension of Soviet power in Eastern and Central Europe and the rebuilding of Western Europe will be examined in detail in the context of the emergence and unfolding of the Cold War, the end of European Empires and the birth and widening of common European institutions. Attention will be given to the transmission and circulation of ideas, the challenges of socio-economic modernization and secularization, and the dynamics of continental and transcontinental migrations. The course will end with a discussion of the redefinition of Europe, of its identity and its relations with an increasingly globalized world after the end of the Cold War. This course will also explore the challenges historians face in studying the more recent past along with some of the approaches and analytical tools they use to do so.

Satisfies "Modern History" core course requirement for History majors.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
History Research Seminar: 300-level history courses designated by the prefix HS-RS indicate courses being offered as Research Seminars. These courses are writing-intensive and help to train students to carry out original research by guiding them through the preparation of a significant research paper. History majors are encouraged to take these before their senior year, and especially before the semester in which they prepare their thesis.
This course is an advanced survey of the history of post-war Europe. The legacy of the Second World War, the extension of Soviet power in Eastern and Central Europe and the rebuilding of Western Europe will be examined in detail in the context of the emergence and unfolding of the Cold War, the end of European Empires and the birth and widening of common European institutions. Attention will be given to the transmission and circulation of ideas, the challenges of socio-economic modernization and secularization, and the dynamics of continental and transcontinental migrations. The course will end with a discussion of the redefinition of Europe, of its identity and its relations with an increasingly globalized world after the end of the Cold War. This course will also explore the challenges historians face in studying the more recent past along with some of the approaches and analytical tools they use to do so.

Satisfies "Modern History" core course requirement for History majors.
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 post-1945 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:
History Research Seminar: 300-level history courses designated by the prefix HS-RS indicate courses being offered as Research Seminars. These courses are writing-intensive and help to train students to carry out original research by guiding them through the preparation of a significant research paper. History majors are encouraged to take these before their senior year, and especially before the semester in which they prepare their thesis.
This course is an advanced survey of the history of post-war Europe. The legacy of the Second World War, the extension of Soviet power in Eastern and Central Europe and the rebuilding of Western Europe will be examined in detail in the context of the emergence and unfolding of the Cold War, the end of European Empires and the birth and widening of common European institutions. Attention will be given to the transmission and circulation of ideas, the challenges of socio-economic modernization and secularization, and the dynamics of continental and transcontinental migrations. The course will end with a discussion of the redefinition of Europe, of its identity and its relations with an increasingly globalized world after the end of the Cold War. This course will also explore the challenges historians face in studying the more recent past along with some of the approaches and analytical tools they use to do so.

Satisfies "Modern History" core course requirement for History majors.
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

HS345 F24 Class schedule: 

 

Week 1  

Introduction to the course - The legacy of WWII

 

Week 2 

Europe divided – The German question

 

Week 3  

De-colonization – France, Vietnam and Algeria

India’s independence

 

Week 4 

The dark days – The fall of Eastern European democracies

 

Week 5  

The Cold war and the nuclear threat

Exam questions posted on Moodle

 

Week 6  

The USSR from Stalin to Chruscev – The space race

 

Week 7 

Review session – Midterm exam

 

Week 8 

May 68: The cultural revolution – Europe and the world

 

Week 9 

Terrorism: The cases of Ulster, Spain, Italy and Germany – The Good Friday agreements

Deadline for first 4 page paper

 

Week 10  

From the building of the Common market to the EU – Change and resistance

 

Week 11 

The oil crisis – Europe and the Middle East

 

Week 12 

The fall of the Soviet Union – The German unification

 

Week 13   

The EU and the broadening of European borders – The Yugoslavia crisis

 

Week 14  

Immigration and the European identity – The terrorist threat

Final exam questions posted on Moodle

 

Week 15  

War and Peace: The EU, Russia and the attack on Ucraine 

Review session - 

Deadline for second 4 page paper

Deadline for 8 page paper