EUP402 The Making of Europe (European System of States since 1648)

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2004
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 16 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
prof. PhDr. Vít Hloušek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
PhDr. Pavel Pšeja, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: MgA. Petra Šoborová
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives (in Czech)
Europe as an expression that describes a certain way of life and values generally attributed to it is used quite frequently, often without a real knowledge of a way in which this Europe was constituted. This course understands the development of Europe since the 17th century (i.e. of the so-called modern Europe) as a unique project based on very broad processes; therefore, it primarily aims at outlining the trends constituting social background of this development - nationalism, colonialism, secularisation, technological innovation and so on. The first part of the course takes as its starting point changes in social thinking and habits that occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries, followed by a more or less traditional overview of the power conflicts that constituted the bases of the modern European states. As the second step, the 19th century is discussed, being understood as a breaking point both with regard to power constellation, and to general shifts in European societies of the time. Finally, both world wars of the 20th century are presented as - in a sense - the climax of the previous processes, which made it possible to form a new, hopefully truly European, identity.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • 1. The Peace of Westphalia and the Emergence of a New Europe Introduction (basic overview of the course and related topics). Roots of societal changes in the 17th century, Reformation, Counter-reformation; Erasmus, Luther and other major figures as creators of a new society; notion of sovereignty; origins of nation states etc. 2. Power, States and Society in 1648-1789 Diplomacy based upon the Raison détat; French struggles for predomination (War for Spanish Legacy, Wars for Austrian Legacy, Seven Years' War - French and Indiana War), balance of power in the 18th century, Prussia and Russia as emerging powers, decline of Ottoman empire; absolute monarchy - polity, politics and bureaucracy; economy of mercantilism. 3. The Birth of Modern European Thinking Philosophy as a major tool in social transformation; Descartes, Spinoza, Locke and other thinkers of the 17th century, Enlightenment; Rousseau as an archetype of a modern intellectual; roots of ideologies etc. 4. Seminar One Discussion on the topics of first three lectures; the search for common threads in societal processes of early modern Europe; Enlightenment project etc. 5. The Great Transformation: Europe in 1789-1814/1815 The French revolution and the consequent wars; influences on the structure of states in Europe; system of French satellites; Napoleons united Europe; social dimension of the French revolution and Napoleons reign. 6. European Nations under the Concert of Powers (1815-1854) Congress in Vienna and new order for Europe; emancipation of European small nations; movements for democracy in Europe; industrialization as a facet of the upcoming social transformations; 1848 as a breaking point; the rise of the leftist visions of society. 7. The Rise and Decline of European Concert (1854-1890s) New players in the game (Italy, Germany etc.); problems of multinational states (Russia, Austria-Hungary); imperialism as a moving force; birth of mass politics (cleavages and political responses). 8. Seminar Two Discussion on topics of lectures 5 to 7; 19th century as an era of modernity; secularisation, urbanization and other processes etc. 9. Colonization and the Expansion of Nation States: A View from the Outside New empires; trade development; religion and social background as motives of colonization; colonial wars and responses in Europe; changes in the structures of societies; developments in colonies as a vehicle of societal feedback. 10. Nationalism as a Facet in Creation of Modern States Roots of nationalism; its geographical and societal aspects; nations invented or evolved; relationship nation-state; natural nationalism or artificial construct? 11. First World War and the Emergence of the Versailles system Origins of First World War - theories and explanations, Diplomacy during the war and struggle of small European nations for independence, economy of warcraft - notion of state-socialism, Wilsonian idealism and notion of liberal peace, peace conference in Versailles - actors and their goals, Versailles arrangement and its problems 12. Europe between Wars Economic consequences of the Versailles peace; rise of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; Great Depression; appeasement as a form of ideology; disenchantment of post-1918 optimism and the social impact etc. 13. Seminar Three Discussion on topics of lectures 9 to 12; common features of both wars; warfare as a historical necessity; is there a long 20th century?
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Course Requirements: General requirements: Although the course is primarily based on lectures and information offered in the assigned readings, seminars form its important part. Therefore, attendance in the seminars is compulsory. Attendance in the lectures is not required, although students are strongly encouraged to take part in lectures as well. Students are asked to read assigned readings in advance, so that they can get the necessary background for lectures and discuss important issues in the respective seminars. Written assignments: Students are expected to write three brief position papers (300-600 words each) on topics included in the seminars. The position papers must be presented in the classes and must include specific issues for the subsequent discussion. Choice of the issues must be reasonably explained and well argued. A good position paper includes: 1. A summary of the essential argument(s) and possible criticisms. 2. Personal opinion(s) of the author, embedded in the general context of the problem and based on his/her readings. 3. Well-argued issues for the discussion. Term paper: Students will write one term paper. The term paper must be approximately 10 pages long (i.e. 18 000 characters; accepted divergence 15 %), structured, typed, coherent, and well written. Choice of the topic must be in accordance with the issues presented in the syllabus and must be accepted by the teacher responsible for the course. The paper must follow common citation standards and include the list of used literature (the list will be carefully scrutinized by the lecturers if it is correct and the works listed are really used in the text). Detailed guidelines shall be handed over in the beginning of the course. Final examination: In the final written test students will answer eight questions focused on the problems presented in the assigned readings and/or discussed in the lectures and seminars. Grading The final grade will be calculated as a composite evaluation consisting of: 20 % position papers 30 % term paper 50 % final examination At least 60 % of the highest possible evaluation is to be reached if a student shall qualify himself/herself for completing the course.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2005, Autumn 2006, Autumn 2007, Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2011, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2015, Autumn 2016, Autumn 2017, Autumn 2018, Autumn 2019, Autumn 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2004, recent)
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