The Making of Europe

Dive into the (ancient) history of Europe and its role on the world stage with this multidisciplinary approach to numerous life-changing events from a political, economic and societal perspective. Understand developments from both a national and an international perspective. This course provides an exciting overview of the history and workings of Europe which you will be studying in three of the most exciting cities of Europe: Rome, Utrecht and Berlin. Emerge yourself in European history and culture and visit many of the tangible remains during excursions that are part of the course programme.

You will gain insight into the making of Europe from its most ancient roots to its most current affairs. The programme will present topics ranging from: the Roman Empire, the Renaissance and Baroque on the one hand, and the Middle Ages, the Dutch Golden Age the role of religion in society on the other hand. To round off this course you will be introduced to the two World Wars and the Cold War in the 20th century, the fall of communism and the rise of European collaboration and global relations.

The set-up of the programme will be equal in the three different cities the course will take you to. But of course the topics addressed will have strong ties to the specific locations, while keeping the full picture of the developments throughout Europe in sight.

Target audience

Students of the humanities and social sciences, including economics and business, political sciences, European studies, international relations, history, culture studies and sociology, the sciences and engineering at senior undergraduate or graduate level with an interest in culture, society and politics. A general background in the social sciences may help, but no specific expertise is required.

Course aim

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Describe and evaluate different theories and conceptualisations of the historic development of Europe, including Europe’s role on the world stage
• Discern and analyse key factors in facilitating this development
• Demonstrate an understanding of political, socio-economic and cultural aspects of the European developments
• Demonstrate this detailed and critical knowledge and understanding in written and verbal form.

Course fee

€3495 (incl. housing)
Course fee includes travel between the different course locations (Rome to Utrecht and Utrecht to Berlin), as well as entrance fees for all field trips that are part of the course programme.
Students are responsible for their travel from their home country to Rome and from Berlin to their home country.

Level

Advanced Bachelor

Study load

12 hours of lectures per week; 12 hours of field trips per week (obligatory part of the course programme); appr. 30 hours of self study per week