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What are some potential topics for the 7-8 page paper assignment?
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Potential topics include Impressionist art, literary analysis, diplomatic history, and other subjects related to the course material from the Enlightenment, French Revolution, World War I, etc.
Why might the course focus on fewer books compared to past syllabi?
Fewer books are included to allow for more focused and in-depth reading, thus enhancing comprehension of the main themes and topics discussed.
How does the course handle the topic of state-making and national identities?
The course examines the transition from numerous small territorial entities to consolidated national states over centuries, highlighting the growth of state power and evolving national identities.
What films will be analyzed in the History 202 course?
*Paths of Glory,* *Triumph of the Will,* and *Goodbye Children* are selected movies that will be analyzed for their historical context and themes.
What aspect of World War I is a focus of the History 202 course?
The course focuses on trench warfare and its profound impact on soldiers and society, illustrated through films like *Paths of Glory.*
How did World War I alter the trajectories of modern history?
World War I had a significant impact due to trench warfare, and it led to major political, social, and cultural transformations, as depicted in films like *Paths of Glory*.
Which books are included in the main reading list for History 202?
*History of Modern Europe* by John Marman, *Persian Letters* excerpts, *Germinal* by Émile Zola, *The Butcher's Tale* by Helmut Walser Smith, *Homage to Catalonia* by George Orwell, and *Ordinary Men* by Christopher Browning.
What is notable about the economic changes discussed in the course?
The rise of capitalism and industrialization is noted for its profound effects on everyday lives, women's work, and rural production, marking a significant shift in economic history.
What is the significance of the Boy Scouts in the context of European imperialism?
The Boy Scouts are analyzed as part of the broader theme of European imperialism, showing how youth organizations were influenced by and contributed to the imperial mindset from the 1880s to 1945.
What is the course’s philosophy regarding the study of history?
The course posits that history events are interconnected, not isolated, stressing the importance of understanding the transformation of identities and states, and the roles of economic and social history.
What is the relevance of films like 'Triumph of the Will' in the course?
Films like *Triumph of the Will* are relevant as they serve as primary sources for analyzing propaganda, ideology, and the historical context of their production and influence.
How does the course approach the connection between wars and dynamics of change?
It explores how wars, particularly World War I and II, acted as major forces of change influencing state-building, economic shifts, and cultural transformations.
Why is engagement with lectures, readings, and discussions emphasized in the course?
Active engagement is vital as it deepens understanding and enables students to grasp complex historical trends and their broader implications.
What significant themes tie together the course content of History 202?
State-building from the late Middle Ages to modern national states, economic changes including the rise of capitalism, the impact of wars particularly World War I and II, and cultural/social transformations like the Enlightenment and the French Revolution.
How did the number of territorial units in Europe change from 1500 to 1890, and why is this significant?
The number of territorial units in Europe reduced from approximately 1500 in the 1500s to around 30 by 1890, indicating the growth of state power and the consolidation of national identities.
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