History of the 20th Century

obligatory courses

Classroom

The course introduces students into the most important events, developments and processes of the 20th century, as well as their various interpretations. It focuses on the main political, social and economic developments, particularly those affecting Europe, such as: WWI, post-Versailles international order, the Great Depression after 1929, fascist, Nazi and communist regimes, WWII and its geopolitical consequences, Cold War, the crisis and collapse of communist regimes, transition to democracy and market economy in Central-Eastern Europe. It is to enable students to understand better the interconnectedness of these developments and to assess their long-term consequences in a wider historical and geopolitical context.

The course introduces students into the main themes, events, developments and processes of the 20th century, as well as their various interpretations.

Compared to other periods, 20th century is unique due to: 1) its closeness to the times we live in, 2) incredible richness of events, developments and changes of profound historic significance, 3) the number of available sources and records, including pictures, films and audio recordings. All these aspects of the 20th century make studying this period, in comparison with other epochs, both easier and, at the same time, more complex and challenging for students as well as scholars.

As all accounts of the 20th century history are necessarily selective, it is ultimately the choice of leading topics that decides about the character of this course. The previous century may be considered as the period shaped mostly by unprecedented, devastating wars and their consequences, as well as by tragic cases of organized genocide. It can be seen from the perspective of evolution of liberal-democratic ideas and regimes, and their confrontations with totalitarian and authoritarian systems. Another possibility highlights the significance of scientific, technological and economic progress, leading to immense social, cultural and political transformations.

Taught by a political scientist, not a historian by training, the course tries to include and balance various approaches. It focuses, though, mostly on the main political, social and economic developments, particularly those affecting Europe, i.e. on issues which correlate best with interests and educational needs of the EPE students.

Special emphasis will be put on mastering students’ ability not only to understand and interpret the key events and turning points in the history of the 20th century, but also to assess their long-term consequences in a wider historical and geopolitical context.

Among topics presented and discussed during the course are:

- The concept of history and the challenges of studying the 20th century history.

- The origins and consequences of the WWI.

- The crisis of parliamentary democracy and the rise of fascism and Nazi movements in post-WWI Europe.

- WW II - its origins, main military and geopolitical developments, consequences.

- Communist project, its realization and collapse.

- Cold War – main developments.

- Process of decolonization and its consequences for the world order.

- Socio-economic developments: crises, new ideas and models of economic development.

- European integration – origins, evolution, challenges.

- Major scientific and technological advancements and breakthroughs.

Every participant is required to write three home assignments:

- Two mini-essays, identifying and giving justification for

“three most important events in the history of the 20th century” (minimum 1500 characters)

“three major unsolved problems of the 20th century” (minimum 2000 characters)

- Final essay, 8-10 normalized pages = 14,400 (required minimum) – 18,000 characters (suggested maximum), addressing one of 23 topics.

1. “A History of the World. From the 20th to the 21st Century”, by J.A.S. Grenville.

2. “International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond”, by A. Best and other authors.

3. “Mastering Modern World History”, by N. Lowe.

4. “The Oxford History of Modern Europe”, by T.W.C. Blanning (ed.).

5. “A Concise History of Modern Europe”, by D.S. Mason.

All reading materials will be emailed to students in advance.

Knowledge: after completing this course student knows and understands

- various determinants of the crucial political events in the 20th century: wars, revolutions, regime changes and international order establishments with special emphasis on Europe (K_W02)

- the interconnections of the main political, social and economic developments and processes in a wide European historical and geopolitical context (K_W02)

- the evolution of liberal-democratic ideas and institutions – also from the perspective of their confrontations with totalitarian and authoritarian systems (K_W06)

- the origins, socio-political context and transformations of the ideas of the European integration (K_W06)

Skills: after completing this course student can

- independently asses both the significance and long-term consequences of major events and developments in the 20th century European politics, social life and economy (K_U01)

- interpret the interconnectedness of the most important political, social and economic tendencies occurring in various European societies during the 20th century (K_U01)

- identify unsolved problems and challenges of the 20th century, still affecting contemporary Europe, formulate her/his own judgement on them and propose appropriate, knowledge-based solutions (K_U05)

1. Regular participation in classes (obligatory). Two absences are allowed without consequences. In case of a greater number of absences, an additional assignment (oral or written) may be required.

2. Active participation in class discussions, based first of all on assigned reading (recommended).

3. Midterm in-class exam - written test at the end of November or in early December (obligatory).

4. Final in-class written exam - in the form of a closed and open test during the winter examination session (obligatory).

Grade distribution (approximately):

Attendance and participation in class discussions - 25%

Midterm - 25%

Final exam - 50%

In order to complete the course, each student needs to receive at least a satisfactory grade (3) at the final exam, regardless of other components of her/his grade.

Not applicable.