JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 211-2"

COURSE NAME: "Twentieth-Century Europe and the World "
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2019
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Niccolò Serri

EMAIL: nserri@johncabot.edu
HOURS: MW 8:30-9:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Recommended: HS 210
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the history of Europe and its relations with the larger world from World War I through the aftermath of the
Cold War. In it, students investigate the cultural, diplomatic, economic, political, and social developments that shaped the lives of
twentieth-century Europeans. Significant attention will be given to the relationship between Europeans and peoples in other
parts of the world, the experience and significance of the World Wars and the Cold War, the development of democratic,
authoritarian, and 'totalitarian' political systems, and the ways in which everyday life and culture changed during this period.

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

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The 20th century is usually considered as the last European century: building on its political and technological
advances, Europe reached its apogee at the beginning of the nineteen hundreds. The outbreak of the First World
War, however, opened to decades of internal conflict, economic transformation and social turmoil for European
states. This culminated in the political violence of totalitarian regimes and the Second World War, leaving the
old continent in shambles. As Europe grappled with the violence of this dark century, its development was
dwarfed by the rise of new powers, the United States and Soviet Russia, and the global stirring of the colonial
world. After 1945, European states and their citizens had to adjust to a new world system, discovering a spirit
of unity in the context of Cold War competition and coping with new social demands.

The course will be divided in two parts: one covering the period between the late XIX century and 1945, the
other from 1945 onwards. Each part will comprise of two sections, A and B, corresponding to the thematic
organization of course content.
Classes will be held twice a week. Each class will comprise a short lecture part and an open discussion on the historiography of
the subject covered. It is thus essential that students come prepared to class.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
In the first part, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the period between the outbreak of the
First World War and the demise of Nazism, investigating the political, economic and cultural aspects of the
troubled interwar years. Particular attention will be given to the competition between liberal democracy,
Fascism and Communism.

In the second part, students will learn how Europe fit into the larger Cold War system, together with its
international and domestic aspects: the so-called Golden age of European democracies, followed by crisis of
the 1970s, the effects of superpower competition and the rise of third world countries to the global stage.

The course will develop students’ analytical tools and foster their capacity for critical thinking, teaching them
(i) how to approach archival and edited primary sources, and (ii) compare and contrast different
historiographical interpretations on Twentieth century European history. Furthermore, (iii) the essay format of
the midterm and final exams will train students’ ability to develop coherent historical arguments.

TEXTBOOK:
Library Call
Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Comments
Number
Europe in the Twentieth Robert O. Paxton Wadsworth ISBN-10: 9780495913191; ISBN-
Century, Fifth Edition and Julie Hessler Cengage Learning 13: 978-0495913191
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

Library Call
Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Comments
Number
Dark continent : Europe's Mark Penguin 0713991593 9780713991598
twentieth century Mazower Press 0140241590 9780140241594
Age of extremes : the short Eric
Abacus 9780349106717 0349106711
twentieth century, 1914-1991 Hobsbawm
Postwar : a history of Europe
Tony Judt Pimlico 0712665641 9780712665643
since 1945
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Assignment Guidelines Weight
Class Students are expected to attend every class and prepare the assigned readings beforehand, so as to
10%
participation participate in class discussion.
Midterm exam Students will answer two questions, out of a total of six, from both (A) and (B). 25%
Submission of a twelve-page paper on a topic to be discussed with the instructor, based on
Individual paper 30%
supplementary readings and edited primary sources.
The final exam will cover both the first and second part of the course. Students will answer three
Final exam 35%
questions, out of a total of nine, from both (A) and (B).

-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:
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such
permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the
immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts,
such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be
excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the
observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday
should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.

Attendance is mandatory. Students should keep their mobile phones turned off during lecture. You may use your laptop to take notes, but you
are not allowed to surf the web during class. Should you fail to follow these rules I will ban laptops from classroom altogether

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

Meeting
Other
Session Session Focus Reading Assignment Place/Exam
Assignment
Dates
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Sept. 2 The age of empires (A) Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 3-36.
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Origins of the First Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 41-63 AND / OR David
Sept. 4
World War (A) Stevenson, The Outbreak of the First World War: 1914 in
perspective, MacMillan, Basingstoke and London, 1997,
pp. 2-38 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
The course of the First
Sept. 9 Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
World War (A)
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 63-105.
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Revolution in the Old
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 107-137 AND/OR Eric
Sept. 11 World: the Soviet Union
Hobsbawm, Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth
and beyond (A)
Century, 1914-1991, Abacus, London, 1995, pp. 54-78
(moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
The Great Illusion: the Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Sept. 16 Treaty of Versailles and Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 141-176 AND/OR Mark
its revisions (A) Mazower, Dark Continent: Europe’s Twentieth Century,
Penguin Books, London, 1998, pp. 40-76 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Italian and European
Sept. 18 Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Fascism (A)
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 179-199, 225-227.
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 261-277 AND Ben S.
The Great Depression:
Bernanke: Money, gold and the Great Depression,
Sept. 23 the US, Europe and the
Remarks by Mr Ben S Bernanke, Member of the Board of
world (B)
Governors of the US Federal Reserve System, at the H
Parker Willis Lecture in Economic Policy, Washington and
Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, 2 March 2004.
The Weimar Republic Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Sept. 25 and Hitler's rise to Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
power (B) Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 188-190, 213-219, 277-281.
Totalitarianism Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Sept. 30 compared: the Stalinist Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Soviet Union (B) Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 227-230, 288-293.
Totalitarianism Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Oct. 2 compared: the Nazi Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
regime (B) Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 281 - 288.
The road to war (1): Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Oct. 7 authoritarianism in Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Southern Europe (B) Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 224, 299-324
The road to war (2):
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
international crisis and
Oct. 9 Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
the politics of
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 329-351.
appeasement (B)
Oct. 14 The course of the Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Second World War (1): Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
repression and Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 355-384 AND/OR Mark
 resistance in the Nazi Mazower, Dark Continent: Europe’s Twentieth Century,
New Order (B) Penguin Books, London, 1998, pp. 141-184 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
The course of the Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Oct. 16 Second World War (2): Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 390-400 AND Richard Overy,
why the allies won? (B) Why the Allies Won, Randomhouse, London, 2006, pp.
386-401 (moodle)
Midterm exam to be
Oct. 21
held in class
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Origins of the Cold War: Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Oct. 23 the Iron Curtain and the Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 400-422 AND/OR Tony Judt,
division of Europe (A) Postwar: a History of Europe since 1945, Penguin Press,
New York, 2005, pp. 129-165 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Western Europe from
Oct. 28 Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 425-444 AND/OR Tony Judt,
War to Peace (A)
Postwar: a History of Europe since 1945, Penguin Press,
New York, 2005, pp. 360-390 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Stalinism and De- Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Oct. 30 Stalinization in Eastern Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 447-479 AND/OR Mark
Europe (A) Mazower, Dark Continent: Europe’s Twentieth Century,
Penguin Books, London, 1998, pp. 253-290 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 503-515 AND Stephen Outline of
The European post-war
Nov. 4 Broadberry and Kevin O’Rourke (Eds.), The Cambridge individual paper
economic boom (A)
Economic History of Modern Europe, Volume 2: 1870 to due
the present, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
2010, pp. 296-333 (Moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Europe and Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
decolonization: an Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 479-487 AND/OR Odd Arne
Nov. 6
international Westad, The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions
perspective (A) and the Making of Our Time, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 2007, pp. 73-130 (moodle)
Tony Judt, Postwar: a History of Europe since 1945,
Penguin Press, New York, 2005, pp. 390-422 (moodle)
1968: social and
Nov. 11 AND/OR Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in
cultural change (A)
the Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 516-539.
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Ostpolitik and Détente
Nov. 13 Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
(B)
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 540-548
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
European democracies Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Nov. 18 and the crisis of the Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 548-551, 558-559 AND Tony
1970s (B) Judt, Postwar: a History of Europe since 1945, Penguin
Press, New York, 2005, pp. 553-484 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Dictatorship and its Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Nov. 20 demise in Southern Learning, Boston, 2012, 559-562 AND/OR Tony Judt,
Europe (B) Postwar: a History of Europe since 1945, Penguin Press,
New York, 2005, pp. 504-525 (moodle)
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Nov. 25 The Brezhnev Era (B) Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 613-639
Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
The new politics of the
Nov. 27 Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 551-558 AND Mark Mazower,
1980s (B)
Dark Continent: Europe’s Twentieth Century, Penguin
Books, London, 1998, pp. 332-366 (moodle)
Dec. 2 Collapse: Gorbachev Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
and the demise of the Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Soviet Union (B) Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 643-652 AND/OR Eric
Hobsbawm, Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth
 Century, 1914-1991, Abacus, London, 1995, pp. 461-500
(moodle)
Electronic copy of
Who won the Cold Robert O. Paxton and Julie Hessler, Europe in the
individual papers
Dec. 4 War? Unipolarity and Twentieth Century, Fifth Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
due at 6 pm on the
European integration Learning, Boston, 2012, pp. 652-673
last day of class