UCHUMHIS147.5 ECTSEnglishBachelor
Modern History
Faculteit—
NiveauBachelor
Studiejaar2026-2027
Beschrijving
Course goals
After completing this course students are able to:
1. Understand key developments and events in global history from the late 18th century to the present, including connections between them 2. Understand and evaluate some of the main historiographical debates in modern history
3. Put history in the context of a liberal arts approach by inviting students to make connections to other academic disciplines, as well as by connecting the past to the present
4. Set up and carry out a small research project, involving the design of a research question as well as the selection, critical analysis and evaluation of historical sources, to be used to construct an essay that presents an answer to this question
5. Give a short presentation on a historical topic based on academic publications
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
1. The essay tests your knowledge, insight and skills related to learning objectives 1, 2, 3 and 4.
2. The exam tests your knowledge and insight on learning objectives 1 and 2.
3. The presentation tests your knowledge, insight and skills related to learning objectives 1, 2, 3 and 5.
4. Class participation is based on adequate preparation for and participation in class sessions (this includes contributions in plenary as well as group settings, asking questions as well as active listening).
Content
The introductory course on Modern History focuses on a selection of key themes and events in the period from the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution to recent developments in the 21st century. Examples of these themes and events are ideologies in 19th century Europe, the two World Wars, decolonization, and the rise of China on the global scene. The course focuses not only on Europe and the United States but also deals with developments in Africa, Australia, Asia and Latin America. It thus provides a global perspective on the 19th and 20th centuries and after. In addition, it gives an introduction to a selection of classical debates in modern history such as the debates on the origins of modern imperialism and on the causes of World Wars I and II, the Holocaust and the Cold War. It also pays attention to connecting past events to current ones. In addition, in this course students are invited to follow their own interests. The choice of topics for the two essays is largely free.
Format
Every week students attend two seminars. The seminars are interactive and require active student participation. Students will give a presentation on one of the topics related to the course themes, and all will be asked to actively engage in group activities. These activities require preparation of the assigned material and will challenge students to delve deeper into the topic at hand.
Academic writing is an important part of this course. Students write two essays, based on literature they will find and select independently. Students will receive feedback on their work in progress. The first essay is approximately 2000 words long and focuses on a topic related to the first half of the course content. The required length of the second essay is approximately 3000 words, and deals with a topic related to the second half of the course content. In both cases students answer a research question, which includes comparing different interpretations on the topic judging their quality, and arriving at a substantiated conclusion. Students also give one oral presentation during the course, no longer than about ten minutes. After the presentation, fellow classmates are given the opportunity to ask questions. Finally, an exam with essay questions at the end of the course tests the insights students have developed into modern history.
Every week students attend two seminars. The seminars are interactive and require active student participation. Students will give a presentation on one of the topics related to the course themes, and all will be asked to actively engage in group activities. These activities require preparation of the assigned material and will challenge students to delve deeper into the topic at hand.
Academic writing is an important part of this course. Students write two essays, based on literature they will find and select independently. Students will receive feedback on their work in progress. The first essay is approximately 2000 words long and focuses on a topic related to the first half of the course content. The required length of the second essay is approximately 3000 words, and deals with a topic related to the second half of the course content. In both cases students answer a research question, which includes comparing different interpretations on the topic judging their quality, and arriving at a substantiated conclusion. Students also give one oral presentation during the course, no longer than about ten minutes. After the presentation, fellow classmates are given the opportunity to ask questions. Finally, an exam with essay questions at the end of the course tests the insights students have developed into modern history.
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