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History 102A
WESTERN CIVILIZATION:
THE RISE OF THE MODERN STATE
Prof. T. TaranovskiFall, 2003
Wyatt 128, ext. 3171
Office hours:M, W, F 2:00-3:00
or by appointment
E-mail address:
History 102 is a thematic introduction to modern European history (15th-20th centuries). It focuses on the institutional and organizational evolution of the modern state, on the socio-economic forces that have shaped it, and on political theories and ideologies that reflected and justified this process of historical change. Its main intellectual objective is to demonstrate that modern forms of government and ideas about politics, including those of the contemporary United States, are products of a long process of historical evolution that began in European Middle Ages and that this heritage, although it may strike us today as both alien and obsolete, helps us better to understand our present. Only by knowing where we have been can we anticipate where we might be going. Thus, the successful student will be expected to understand the evolution of the modern state from medieval monarchy to contemporary pluralistic and totalitarian governments, based on the notions of popular sovereignty (key dates, events, personalities, processes, and systemic characteristics), to analyze the political philosophies that served to legitimate these various forms of rule, to trace the development of the modern system of international relations, and to comprehend the connection between the process of political change and the socio-economic transformation of European society from an agrarian to an industrialized one.
On a pedagogical level, the main objectives of the course are to develop the student's ability to integrate factual and conceptual material and to write focused and developed essay examinations. History is the art of understanding, and even judging, the past through reasoned evaluation based on reliable factual evidence. Not all interpretations are equally warranted or persuasive, i.e., some opinions are better than others, and the ability to present and analyze historical evidence is the key to a good argument. Second, you will be introduced to the fact that historians differ in the kinds of interpretations they make. This will permit you to reach some conclusions about the validity and variety of possible historical interpretations.
The course requirements consist of 4-5 quizzes (distributed through the semester), two midterms, a paper, and a final scheduled according to University regulations. Since your reading is designed to complement the lectures, regular course attendance and participation in discussions are fully expected and will be evaluated in determining your final grade (roughly 15% quizzes and participation, 20% each for the two midterms, 20% paper, and 25% final). The student must attempt all major assignments in order to receive a passing grade in this course. As a matter of policy, there will be no incompletes in this course except for valid medical reasons or other circumstances clearly beyond the control of the student. The same policy will apply to missed deadlines for quizzes or requests for make-up exams. Individuals engaging in plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty will be severely penalized.
Finally, while no substitute for office hours and personal conferences, e-mail is an efficient way for you to ask questions pertaining to the course content, to raise study-problems that you may encounter, or to seek additional academic assistance.
The required texts for this course are:
D. Kagan, S. Ozment, and Frank M. Turner, The Western Heritage since 1300. 7th ed.
J. Somerville & R. E. Santoni, eds., Social and Political Philosophy.
A. J. Bacevich, The Imperial Tense. Prospect and Problems of American Empire (Chicago, 2003).
Assorted Handouts.
Reading Assignments and Exam Schedule
I. The Era of Absolute Monarchy
Topics: the transition from medieval to modern times, the emergence of the nation-state, gunpowder revolution, mercantilism, divine rights monarchy in France, the scientific revolution, the secularization of political thought, enlightened despotism and the "police state" in Russia and Prussia, the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars.
1.September 3-September 10
Kagan, pp. 291-351 (Ch. 9-10)
Somerville, 101-26 (Machiavelli)
2.September 10-September 24
Kagan, pp. 353-511 (Ch. 11-15)
Somerville 139-168 (Hobbes)
3.September 24-October 8
Kagan, p. 512-585 (Ch. 16-17)
Somerville, 169-204 (Locke)
First Exam: October 8
4.October 8-October 22
Kagan, pp. 586-703 (Ch. 18-20)
Somerville, 239-281 (Jefferson)
II. The Liberal Interlude
Topics: The Industrial Revolution, liberalism, nationalism, and socialism, the unification of Germany and Italy, imperialism, World War I.
1.October 22-November 12
Kagan, pp. 704-933 (Ch. 21-26)
Somerville, 302-381 (Mill and Marx)
Second Exam November 12
2.November 12 - November 26
Bacevich, The Imperial Tense (entire)
Paper Due: November 26 by 5:00 p.m. in Wyatt 128.
III. The Modern Welfare State
Topics: the Russian Revolution, communism and fascism, World War II, the welfare state in the west, the question of obsolescence of the nation-state.
1.November 26-December 10
Kagan, 924-1115
Somerville, 381-462 (Lenin, Mussolini, Hitler)
FINAL EXAMINATION
scheduled according to university regulations on
Wednesday, December 17 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
102a.syl'f'03.doc