Twentieth Century Europe

(4 Credits)

This workshop introduces History majors to the methodology of historical inquiry. Through case studies of pivotal moments in twentieth century Europe, the class familiarizes students with the practices of historical analysis and helps them learn to “think historically.” By studying (1) World War I, (2) Nazi Germany, (3) postwar European reconstruction, and (4) Communism and its collapse, we trace how the continent descended into violence that destroyed conventional sources of authority, and how it was rebuilt by forging new forms of political legitimacy.