Revolution, Liberalism, and Nationalism
In Europe, 1789-1914

Course Description

Professor: Robert W. Brown

History 329 traces the history of Europe from the eruption of the French Revolution in 1789 to the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Because this century and a quarter is so filled with momentous events and because we know so much about these events, our coverage must necessarily be selective. For about the first third of the semester, our attention focuses on France, then the dominant nation in Europe, and we will study in succession the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire, and the various legacies remaining from these events that shaped European affairs until the Revolutions of 1848. As we move toward the middle of the century, France recedes into the background and is replaced by Great Britain as we concentrate on the Industrial Revolution and its consequences, political and social changes, and intellectual movements like socialism, romanticism, liberalism, and nationalism. Germany (Prussia until 1871), the third nation that will receive considerable attention, first becomes of major importance in the 1860s and then dominates Europe in the years leading up to World War I. As we progress through the nineteenth century, we will also study the increasing urbanization of Europe, the growth of mass literacy, and the transformation of family life. Our journey will conclude with a careful study of late-nineteenth century diplomacy as we try to understand how total war came unexpectedly to Europe in the summer of 1914. And, from time to time, we will pause in our journey to consider major intellectual, cultural, and artistic movements.

Course Goals

***a chronological study of the course of European Civilization from 1789 to 1914;

***a study of the major historical periods of the nineteenth century, with a synopsis of the
      distinguishing political, social, economic, and geographical characteristics of each;

***a study of the major European achievements in art, architecture, and cultural during the nineteenth century;

***an emphasis on the importance of history as a field of academic inquiry;

***an introduction to the critical analysis of primary sources;

***an appreciation of the relevance of the study of history for the modern world, with special
      emphasis on the historical roots of current developments, both in Europe and the world outside Europe.

***an introduction to World Wide Web resources about the history of nineteenth-century Europe
      and an analysis of web sites.

Course Requirements and Grading

1. Required Text:

    John Merriman, A History of Modern Europe, Vol 2: From the French Revolution to the Present. 2nd. ed.
    New York: W. W. Norton, 2004. [Make sure you get the 2nd ed.]

    Primary sources for class discussion will be handed out.

2. Three Tests (60%). Each test will consist of short answer, matching, and multiple-choice
    questions. At the beginning of each unit of study, a list of the important names, terms, titles, and so
    on will be distributed; tests will be based on these study sheets. Make-up tests will be given only
    if the student notifies the instructor in advance of an assigned test date; make-up tests [of the
    original test] must be taken before the next scheduled class meeting. Make-up tests taken after
    the class meeting following the original test will consist of the essay questions and twenty-five
    identification questions. Approximate test dates are on the Course Outline.

3. One Analysis of an Internet Site (10%), One Book Review (10%) and One Essay (15%).

    The Analysis of an Internet Site must be a review and analysis of World Wide Web Materials on a
    topic relevant to HST 329.  The site analyzed should be selected from those listed on the HST 329
    Web Links page.  Students who wish to analyze a site not on this page must obtain advance permission
    from the instructor.  Specific directions for this assignment are posted on the Web Site for HST 329.
    The analysis is due on 01 February 2005.

    A Review of a scholarly book dealing with any aspect of European history, 1789-1850 is due on
    15 March 2005.  The book selected for review must be approved by the instructor, and reviews
    must follow the format outlined in the book review handout (posted on the HST 329 Web Site).

   The Essay will be an interpretation of the origins of World War I based on a reading of selected diplomatic
   documents.  The esay is due on 26 April 2005 and class discussion of the essays will take place in class on
   that date.  Complete instructions and guidelines will be posted on the HST 329 Web Site.

4. Class Discussion, Discussion Questions, and Attendance (05%). From time to time,
    readings, with questions to answered in writing, will be assigned for class discussion; active
    participation is expected. Regular class attendance is important. Material discussed in class will
    be emphasized on the tests. In addition, a proportion of the final grade is based on class
    participation.  Students are accordingly expected to attend every class, beginning with the first
    session. Absence from class, no matter what the cause, does not excuse a student from any
    course requirements.  Make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor. Excessive absences will
    probably result in a reduced course grade, and, in such cases, the student's advisor will be
    notified. Attendance will be taken.

5. Summary of Grading.

                3 Tests                      60%
                1 Book Review         10%
                1 Internet Analysis     10%
                1 Essay                     15%
                Class Discussion        05%
                Extra Credit               05%
                                                105%

6. Grading Scale.

        A= 93-100; A-=90-92; B+=88-89; B=83-87; B-=80-82; C+=78-79;
        C=73-77; C-=70-72; D+=68-69; D=63-67; D-=60-62; F=0-59

7. Late Work. Work submitted late will be accepted without penalty if arrangements are made in
    advance; otherwise, late work will be accepted but penalized at least five points.

8. Extra Credit. A maximum of five (5) points (added to your final course average) may be earned by writing a researched
    and documented essay on a topic from the history of nineteenth-century Europe.  Students must propose a topic and the
    Instructor must approve it.  The grade on this essay will determine the number of extra credit points earned.  A or A- = 5
    extra credit points; B+ = 4; B = 3; B- = 2; C+ or C = 1; and C- and below = 0.

9. Web Pages.  Selected materials for this course are posted on the HST 329 Web Page. The
    address is http://www.uncp.edu/home/rwb/hst329_w.htm.

10. Office Hours. Office hours are posted on my door (N212). If an appointment is needed at
    other than the posted times, please see me after class or call 910.521.6438 or 910.521.6229;
    e-mail: robert.brown@uncp.edu.

11. Honor Code. Students are expected to comply with all the provisions of the Academic Honor Code, which is
    printed in the Student Handbook, and is available on the web site of the Office of Student Affairs.

12. Emergency Information Hot Line.  For information about possible university closings or delays in
    opening, call 910.521.6888 or access the UNC Pembroke web page.

13. Students with Documented Disabilities: Any student with a documented disability
     needing academic adjustments should speak directly to Disability Support Services
     and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first class week) as possible.
     All discussions will remain confidential.  This syllabus is available in alternative formats upon request.
     Please contact Mary Helen Walker, Disability Support Services, at 910.521.6695.

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