History

This course examines the fate of the later Roman empire from the fall of Rome through the establishment of the barbarian kingdoms in the west and the rise of Constantinople in the East to the eve of the Arab conquests (AD400-700), interrogating models of decline, catastrophe, and transformation through the most recent archaeology. There is, however, much more to the study of the late antique world than the problem of how and why the Roman empire collapsed. The course explores key themes such as decline and fall, barbarians and ethnicity, urbanism, rural settlement, Christianization, the army and the economy and compare the different trajectories of Europe, Northern Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean in this period.

This course examines the rich and complex history of Catalonia, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Students explore the formation and evolution of Catalonia, beginning with its medieval origins and the development of a distinct Catalan identity. Key historical milestones, such as the War of the Spanish Succession, the rise of Catalan nationalism, and the impact of the Spanish Civil War, are analyzed to understand their enduring influence on contemporary Catalan society and politics. 

Additional topics include the relationship between Catalonia and the broader Spanish state, significant political movements and cultural developments, including the Renaixença (Catalan Renaissance), the establishment of the Generalitat (Catalan Government), and the recent push for independence. Through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating history, political science, and cultural studies, students gain a comprehensive understanding of Catalonia's socio-political landscape. The course also addresses contemporary issues such as language policy, regional autonomy, and the economic challenges facing Catalonia within the European Union.

This course examines post-war French politics and society through the study of objects. It explores issues such as race, class, gender, and sexuality in the context of modernization and urbanization, colonization and globalization, social movements and revolt. The course assesses the rebuilding of France in the aftermath of collaboration and occupation, looking at the expansion of the French state, the emergence of new social groups and categories, and the way in which conflicts emerge over social, political, and cultural questions. It charts these processes by focusing on the study of objects, drawing on a range of perspectives developed by historians, sociologists, and critical theorists.