HIST 215
Modern European History
Dilek Barlas
Office: SOS 259
Class Hours: Fall 2007, Tuesday-Thursday 14:00-15:15
Class Room SCI Z07
Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 15:30: 17:00
Course Description: This course is an introductory course to 19th and 20th centuries European History. It
discusses radical changes in the political, social and economic domains during these centuries. Revolutions,
nation-states, new empires and wars are the main topics of the discussion. In addition this course focuses on
challenges to the European state system such as movements for autonomy and independence. It will begin
with the French Revolution and end with the debate on the “post-modern” period.
Course Requirements:
Grading will be as follows:
1) Discussion Session: 30
-Essay questions: 15
-Discussion: 15
Attendance: If you miss 2 sessions, you will lose 1 point for discussion.
If you miss 3 sessions, you will lose 2 points for discussion.
If you miss more than 3 sessions, you will lose 30 points for discussion.
Mid-term: 35%
Final Exam: 35%
 It is required that students do not miss the exams (Make up exams will be given in the case
of illness, if a valid medical excuse was submitted within 3 days of absence).
Course Materials:
Textbook: Asa Briggs and Patricia Clavin, Modern Europe, 1789-Present. London: Pearson,
2003. The textbook is available at the University bookstore and at the Suna Kıraç library.
Academic Integrity: Official university regulations describe academic dishonesty and sanctions
against it as follows:
“Academic dishonesty in the form of cheating, plagiarism, or collusion are serious offenses and
are not tolerated at Koç University. University Academic Regulations and the Regulations for Student
Disciplinary Matters clearly define the policy and the disciplinary action to be taken in case of academic
dishonesty. Failure in academic integrity may lead to suspension and expulsion from the University.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying from a classmate or providing answers or information,
either written or oral, to others. Plagiarism is borrowing or using someone else’s writing or ideas without
giving written acknowledgment to the author. This includes copying from a fellow student’s paper or from
a text (whether printed or electronic) without properly citing the source. Collusion is getting unauthorized
help from another person or having someone else writes a paper or assignment”.
Class Schedule:
Week I: 18 and 20 September
Introduction: The Revolution
Briggs and Patricia Clavin, , pp: 1-18
Week II: 25 and 27 September
From War to the Napoleonic Period
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 18-38
Week III: 2 and 4 October
Restoration and New Revolutions
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 39-75
Week IV: 9 and 11 October (holiday)
Formation of Nation-States
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 76-114
Week V: 16 and 18 October
Alliances system
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 115-143
Week VI: 23 and 25 October
Modernization
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 144-167
Week VII: 30 October and 1 November
The First World War
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 168-199
Week VIII: 6 and 8 November
Vacuum of power?
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 200-234
Week IX: 13 and 15 November
Transitional Period
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 235-261
Week X: 20 and 22 November
Appeasement and Repercussions
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 262-283
Week XI: 27 and 29 November
Turning Points in the Second World War
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 283-303
Week XII: 4 and 6 December
Cold War
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 304-332
Week XIII: 11 and 13 December
Post-War Reconstruction
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 333-362
Week XIV: 18 and 20 December (holiday)
New “Revolutions” in Europe
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 363-393
Week XV: 25 and 27 December
Conclusion: Changes and Continuities
Briggs and Clavin, pp: 394-411