European History, Society and Culture

This course explores European history, society and culture by zooming in on a series of transformative events and developments that both shaped their respective era and are crucial to understand Europe and the world in the contemporary age. Each module explores a specific event by focusing on relevant case studies. The course helps students understand the transformation from nations and empires to contemporary European and international institutions, the economic and social foundations of the European society, the history of representations in and outside Europe, the development of a European ideal of culture as well as problems of unity and diversity. Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to embark on advanced studies of European history and culture at KU Leuven.

• Understand how the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era and the Congress of Vienna transformed Europe and the world
• Learn about European colonialism as well as their contemporary legacy
• Explore a variety of ideas, movements and ideologies that influenced European arts, society and politics
• Understand the emergence of different types of European and international organisations
• Gain the critical skills to understand historical transformations

• Undergraduate-level studies in the humanities, law or social sciences