Lecture

The Enlightenment II

This module revisits the Enlightenment, emphasizing its lasting impact on modern thought and democracy. Topics include:

  • The continuation of Enlightenment ideals in contemporary society
  • The critique of Enlightenment thought
  • Connections to modern political and social movements
  • Implications for education, science, and human rights

Students will engage in discussions on how Enlightenment ideas continue to shape current debates and ideologies.


Course Lectures
  • This module delves into the French Revolution, a transformative period that reshaped France and influenced global politics. It examines:

    • The causes and events of the revolution
    • The rise of revolutionary ideals
    • Impact on various social classes
    • The eventual rise of Napoleon and its consequences

    Students will analyze primary sources to better understand the revolution's significance and its lasting legacy.

  • The Enlightenment module explores the intellectual movement that emphasized reason and individualism over tradition. Key topics include:

    • Influential philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke
    • The role of science and rational thought
    • Impacts on religion and politics
    • Connections to revolutionary movements

    Students will engage with Enlightenment texts to analyze their implications for modern society.

  • This module continues the examination of the French Revolution, focusing on its later developments and consequences. Topics include:

    • The radicalization of the revolution
    • The Reign of Terror
    • International reactions and conflicts
    • The establishment of the Napoleonic Code

    Students will analyze the revolution's evolution and its effects on France and Europe as a whole.

  • This module covers 19th Century Europe, a period marked by revolution, industrialization, and social change. Key areas of focus include:

    • The impact of the Industrial Revolution
    • Nationalism and its rise across Europe
    • The role of social movements and class struggles
    • Political changes leading to modern nation-states

    Students will engage with the diverse transformations that defined this century, shaping future European history.

  • This module examines revolutionary movements that emerged across the globe in response to social, political, and economic inequalities. Topics include:

    • Key revolutions in Europe, Latin America, and beyond
    • The role of ideology in inspiring revolts
    • Comparative analysis of different revolutionary movements
    • The outcomes and legacies of these revolutions

    Students will critically assess how these movements influenced contemporary societies and future revolutions.

  • This module focuses on the emergence of nationalism and the formation of nation-states in the 19th century. Key topics include:

    • The concept of the nation and national identity
    • Key nationalistic movements across Europe
    • The impact of nationalism on colonial and post-colonial contexts
    • The role of language, culture, and religion in nation-building

    Students will explore how nationalism shaped political boundaries and identity in the modern world.

  • This module examines imperialism and mass politics, focusing on the expansion of empires and the rise of political movements. Key areas of discussion include:

    • The motivations behind imperial expansion
    • Effects of imperialism on colonized regions
    • The emergence of political parties and mass movements
    • Connections between imperialism and global conflicts

    Students will analyze the interplay between imperial ambitions and the political landscape of the time.

  • This module revisits the Enlightenment, emphasizing its lasting impact on modern thought and democracy. Topics include:

    • The continuation of Enlightenment ideals in contemporary society
    • The critique of Enlightenment thought
    • Connections to modern political and social movements
    • Implications for education, science, and human rights

    Students will engage in discussions on how Enlightenment ideas continue to shape current debates and ideologies.

  • World War I
    Ivan J. Houston

    This module addresses World War I, exploring its origins, key events, and consequences. Topics include:

    • The alliances and tensions leading to the war
    • Major battles and strategies of the conflict
    • The war's impact on societies and economies
    • The Treaty of Versailles and its repercussions

    Students will analyze primary sources to understand the war's significance and its role in shaping the 20th century.

  • Duel Power
    Lynn Hunt

    This module covers the concept of dual power, particularly during revolutionary periods. Key discussions include:

    • Understanding dual power in political theory
    • Case studies from historical revolutions
    • The dynamics between competing authorities
    • Consequences for governance and civil society

    Students will critically examine how dual power has played a role in shaping revolutionary outcomes and political landscapes.