This is a chronological and topical survey of almost three hundred
years
of European history, from Enlightenment to the collapse of Communism.
Since
this is a three semester hour survey, it is impossible to cover
everything. The main purpose of this course is to introduce
students to the major
problems
and interpretations of Modern European History. Emphasis will be
placed upon developments on the European continent, but the other
continents
will be also considered especially in the context of colonialism,
imperialism,
world wars and the post-war developments. We will examine major
revolutions
in economy, political and cultural developments, as well as problems of
social history. We will focus on the rise of national-states and
nationalist
ideologies, with all their implications for the more recent history of
the twentieth century. Following a chronological order, we will
look, each week, at the questions and problems that occupy historians
of
the modern world, and at some of the primary sources from which they
draw
their analysis.
Mark Kishlansky, Patrick Geary and Patricia O'Brien. A Brief
History of Western Civilization. The Unfinished Legacy. Vol. 2.
New York, etc.: Longman, 2002.
Roll will be taken on a daily basis and you are allowed no more
than three (3) absences. Beginning with a fourth absence, I will lower
your grade accordingly. Excessive tardiness and leaving shortly after
roll
has been taken will be counted as an absence. It is your responsibility
to make sure that you sign the attendance sheet each time we meet.
In compliance with Santa Fe Community College policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic classroom accommodations that you may require as a student with a disability. You must be registered with the Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) in S-112 for disability verification and determination of reasonable academic accommodations. Since I cannot help you if you do not know the kind of help you require, requests for accommodations need to be made well in advance of receiving any service. I strongly suggest that you discuss this with me during the first week of the semester so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
The basis for evaluation of performance will be three exams. The exams will cover everything from lectures and readings. Each one will consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions and an essay question. Written assignments in this course fulfill a 1,500-word Gordon Rule requirement. This means that the essay question for each exam is expected to be between two and three pages long. You must satisfactorily complete the Gordon Rule requirement for this course in order to obtain a final grade of C or higher. Make-up for the first two exams will be given only for very serious reasons. There is no make-up for the Final exam. Extra credit work will be accepted only for students with active class participation. The format of the extra credit option shall be discussed with the instructor during regular office hours.The following point system will be used in determining the final grade:
Exam I: 30 points
| Points | Grades |
| 94 -100 | A |
| 90 - 93 | B+ |
| 84 - 89 | B |
| 80 -83 | C+ |
| 74 - 79 | C |
| 70 - 73 | D+ |
| 64 - 69 | D |
| under 64 | F |
January 8: Introduction
Enlightenment and the development of modern science
January 22: England, France, and the colonial rivalry
The culture of the 1700sMarch 2,5: Building nation-states: Italy, Germany, Austrian Empire
