Course content

Europe has undergone profound changes after the Second World War. The war and the Holocaust, the decades of the Cold War that divided Europe, the cultural influx from America post-1945 and the efforts towards closer European cooperation in the Western parts, as well as the attempts at "Sovietization", at constructing a radically new type of political, socio-economic, and cultural order (Communism) in Russia and East-Central Europe impacted and shaped all the continent's societies.

The course allows the students to get a good understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural developments in Europe from 1945 until today. The students will be familiarised with central scholarly debates and different theoretical and methodological approaches.

Examples of topics that can be offered

• Americanization of Europe? How Europe responded, embraced and rejected US efforts to extend their influence
• East Central European Politics, Culture and Society in the Post-1945 Era
• Crossing borders: refugees, guest workers and migrants in Europe from 1945 until today
• The legacy of the Second World: memory, commemoration and reconciliation in Europe
• Revolts & revolutions: civil rights and emancipation movements in Eastern and Western Europe
• Citizenship in Cold War era Europe - East and West
• Tourism: the economic, cultural and social meaning & impact of commercial travelling in Europe
• The 'Entangled (Transsystemic) History' of Europe's East and West in the Cold War Era

The topics offered will vary from term to term, depending on the department's teaching resources as well as the lecturer's field of expertise and current research focus. Information on topics for the academic year is found under studies on the webpage for the department with academic responsibility.

Learning outcome

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The candidate will have acquired

• in-depth knowledge about the course's topics
• insights into important scholarly debates in the specific field the course focuses on
• a solid understanding of different theoretical and methodological perspectives and approaches in the field

Skills

The candidate will be able to

• analyse and debate key developments in Europe after 1945 and situate them in the wider global context
• reflect on central questions and scholarly debates, both orally and in writing
• apply empirical knowledge and theoretical perspectives and methods in an independent analysis

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and/or seminars. Written assignment. Obligatory activities: Every student is required to write one approved essay during the course (guidelines concerning format, scope, procedures and participation requirements will be specified prior to each term). The obligatory activity from a previous semester can be approved by the department.

Compulsory assignments

• Assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

HIST1500/1550 or equivalent in history or social sciences

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Reading list/compendium and additional materials will be published on Blackboard at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions