History

Reflecting on the causes and consequences of war involves some of the most fundamental questions facing any student of conflict, and this course is an introduction to thinking about them. Students explore the theoretical and methodological questions that arise when studying the causes of war. They consider the definition of war, and examine the role of theory in explaining and understanding its causes. Students utilize historical case studies, explore contemporary international politics and explore political change over time. In the second half of the year, the course also investigates some of the consequences of war – on the international system, on society, and on individuals. The course also addresses ways in which war and conflict can be prevented and mitigated.

This course offers a study of terrorism from ancient times to the present. The course examines the changing understanding and definitions of political violence from ancient times to the September 11th attack in 2001. The course reviews research methods and approaches by examining relevant studies of terrorism definitions and concepts. Terrorism is discussed in relation with freedom, human rights, and security.

This course covers the history of racial inequality in the United States from the arrival of the first African slaves in Virginia in 1619 to the recent emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Throughout, it considers how unequal the United States is; where racial inequality comes from; and why it has proved so enduring; how it has changed over time; what role the U.S. government played in this process; how racial inequality influences U.S. politics, economics, and culture; and what solutions have been proposed. The course introduces the multiple facets of racial inequality in the United States today, considers the history of racial inequality in the United States, and develops critical reading and writing skills in assessing and crafting complex arguments.

More people live in cities now than in any other point in history: how does this change human culture and civilizations? Cities tell a story of our world; they are a testament to humankind’s ability to reshape the environment in lasting ways. They reveal how we interact with the environment and with each other. Cities are created in many forms and for many reasons ranging from defense, religion and economic activity. Through case studies this course examines urban history, lived experiences, and how city life has changed over time.

This course looks at key moments in the history of globalization over the ‘"long" 20th century. Approaching globalization as a contested and malleable project, students move from the "first" high age of globalization and empire in the late 19th century, through the reconfiguration of the world system in the wake of the Great Depression and the World Wars, to the era of decolonization and neoliberal globalization in the latter part of the century. Students reflect together on how capitalism, internationalism, empire, immigration, race, the environment, and human rights came to shape the contemporary world.

In the aftermath of World War I, the global map underwent significant alterations with the collapse of great empires. The Austro-Hungarian (Habsburg), Russian, Ottoman, and German empires disintegrated, reshaping the geopolitics of Europe and, by extension, the world. This collapse not only redrew borders but also catalyzed national movements, sowed seeds of new conflicts, and heralded a new era of nation-states. 

Significantly, in the backdrop of these monumental changes, the USSR emerged not just as a successor but as a reincarnation of the Russian Empire in its approach to its peripheries. The Soviet Union continued many of the policies, especially towards the “borderlands,” a crucial aspect to understand when examining the historical trajectories of Ukraine and Russia. 

With a focus on the geopolitical significance of Ukraine, situated between Central Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, this course uncovers the historical roots of modern conflicts, notably the Russian-Ukrainian War.

This course explores the films made during, in between, and immediately after the two world wars. Specifically, it discusses how film can be used as a tool to better understand the wars, and how they were viewed, refuted, or supported by people at that time. It explores what is propaganda and how it is manifested in different ways. Specifically this course concerns the world wars in Europe. 

This course is divided into two parts: the Cold War period and the Global Age. Part one focuses on international conflicts related to the Cold War and its effects. Part two focuses on globalization, international relations, and global risks.  

This course examines east central and southeastern European history from the twilight of nineteenth-century imperialism to the most recent expansion of the European Union. Consideration will be given to the two world wars and their consequences; nationalism, fascism, and socialism; and the revolutions of 1989.