Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description An examination of developments in Europe from the revolutions of 1848 to the early twenty first century is presented in this module. Beginning with the state of European society in the mid-nineteenth century, key developments such as nationalism and revolution are explored, with particular emphasis placed on the long-term consequences of the 1848 revolutions. An examination of Bismarck’s role in European affairs is also offered while European emigration is assessed through the case studies of Germany, Italy and Sweden. The role of European Imperialism in the build up to 1914 is explored while women’s rights, education, literacy and popular culture are also addressed. The origins of the First and Second World Wars and their impact on society is discussed. The break-up of Europe’s overseas empires is examined while the factors which led to the Cold War are also assessed. The module then moves on to the tensions between the post-1945 superpowers of the USA and the Soviet Union and the collapse of communism in the late 1980s. The Balkan Crisis of the 1990s, the development of independent states in Eastern Europe and the expansion of the European Union are also examined. In addition, recent developments in Russia under Vladimir Putin are chronicled. The attitudes of European governments and their citizens to immigration in Europe will be addressed along with the involvement of the US government in European policy, the War on Terror and its impact on Europe. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse the principal developments in European history from the revolutions of 1848 to the end of the cold war in the 1990s 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the main changes in European society and economy from 1848-1990 3. Appraise the causes, course and aftermath of the Second World War and the impact of the Cold War 4. Analyse the political, social and economic conditions of Western and Eastern Europe after 1945 5. Debate historical themes and participate constructively in a learning community. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Part 1: Europe and the wider world 1848-1914 Europe in 1848: The Social and Economic Background, Europe in 1848: The Political Background, The Unification of Italy, The Unification of Germany, European Imperialism, Political Ideologies 1848-1939, America 1860-1917, Russia 1900-1924 Part 2: Social, Cultural, Economic Development 1848-1914 European Emigration, Religion, Education, The International Economy 1850-1914 Part 3: War and Peace 1914-1945 World War 1, The Inter-War Years, World War 2 Part 4: Europe and the Wider World 1945-2010 The Cold War, The Soviet Union and the Cold War, Europe and the Cold War, The Korean War, Eastern Europe since 1945, Decolonisation, Europe and the Global Economy since 1945, Ireland and the Wider World | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||