131-123 Europe: Ideas and Nations 1600-2000

Formerly available as 131-011. Students who have completed 131-011 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject examines the emergence of modern Europe from complex historical processes. At the beginning of the 20th century, the future appeared to be one of unlimited progress. However, World War I, fascism and the Holocaust, the failure of the democratic states and the use of the atom bomb marked the end of European world hegemony and, for many intellectuals, the end of the promise of Enlightenment. Europe was thus ushered into a period now referred to as postmodernity. Students should complete this subject with an understanding of the rise of the modern and its replacement by the postmodern, of the creation of the modern nation-state and the origins of the European movement. Students should develop an ability to critique these constructions and an analysis of how Europeans came to accept the need for European unity.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion.

A 2500 word research essay 50% (due at the end of semester), a 1500 word reflective essay 40% (due during the examination period) or a 1.5-hour unseen paper sat in the examination period and class participation throughout the semester 10%.

• M Perry et al, Western Civilisation: Ideas, Politics & Society Vol. II From the 1600s. (6th ed) Houghton Mifflin Boston 2000.