Course content

The history of Europe has long been the history of the national states. This course moves the focus away from the national state and towards Europe as a historical construction of cultural and political unity. With elements from history, political science and philosophy this course provides an interdisciplinary examination of key moments and eras in the European history.
This course seeks to provide a new approach towards the list of problems that characterizes the Europe of today.

Learning outcome

From an interdisciplinary perspective, the students should have the theoretical insight and methodical proficiency for analysing and understanding current political and cultural processes in Europe today.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/Seminars, Assessment: Home exam (10-12 pages in English or Norwegian). Students may choose from a written exercise or an oral presention in consultation with the course instructor.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation/Written assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

BA in European Studies and Foreign languages, History, Political Science or Philosophy.

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Fernand Braudel, A History of Civilizations, 1995 (utdrag)

Alain de Benoist, The idea of Empire, 1993 (artikel)

Carlo Cipolla, /Guns, Sails and Empires: Technological Innovation and European Expansion 1400-1700, 1965

Emmanuel Kant, /Perpetual Peace, and Other Essays on Politics, History, and Morals/, 1983 (utdrag)

Ernest Gellner, Nations and Nationalism, 2009

Rémi Brague, Eccentric Culture: A Theory of Western Civilization, 2009