University of Nicosia, Cyprus

Course Code Course Title ECTS Credits

MIREL-510 Modern European History and

Politics

10

Department Semester Prerequisites

European Studies and

International Relations

Fall None

Type of Course Field Language of Instruction

Core International Relations English

Level of Course Year of Study Lecturer(s)

2nd

Cycle 1st Dr Hubert Faustmann

Mode of Delivery Work Placement Co-requisites

face-to-face N/A None

Objectives of the Course:

The main objectives of the course are to:

1. Acquire solid knowledge of the main historical and political events that shaped the course of the

last century.

2. Understand the changing nature of the international system during the twentieth century.

3. Understand and acquire knowledge of the emergence of international institutions and alliances.

4. Understand and acquire knowledge of the world system of the post-Cold War era.

5. Understand various concepts/outlooks of the international system of the 21st century.

Learning Outcomes:

After completion of the course students are expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate considerable knowledge of key research debates within the main events of the

20th

century and analyze research within the field of study.

2. Demonstrate considerable knowledge and be able to discuss recent world history in an

intelligent and analytical way.

3. Independently identify, analyze and evaluate complex issues relating to IR using a variety of

methodological tools.

4. Argue and present an analysis and evaluation of complex issues both orally and in writing as

well as lead a discussion regarding issues of an international nature.

5. Use IT skills (word processing, Internet and e-mail) as study and communication tools.

6. Have the learning skills to allow them to continue education and in a self-directed manner and

to work on an academic level within the intended professional field.

7. Use the available time to organize oneself and cope with deadlines.

8. Make efficient use of libraries, bibliographical material and academic research.

Course Contents:

1. The Origins of World War I

2. World War I

3. Post-War Settlements and the League of Nations

4. Transformation of Russia

5. The Interwar Period and the Rise of Fascism

6. Aggression in the 1930s

7. World War II

8. Post-War Settlements and the New World Order in 1945

9. The United Nations

10. Imperialism and Decolonisation in the 20th

century

11. The Arab-Israeli Conflict

12. European Integration

13. The Cold War 1945-1962

14. The Cold War 1962-1984

15. Gorbachev’s Reforms and the End of the Cold War

16. The Post-Cold War Era

17. 21st Century

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods:

Lectures, Student Presentations, Question and Answers, Discussions and Assignments.

Assessment Methods:

2 Student Presentations, Mid-Term Essay, Participation, Attendance and Final Exam.

Required Textbooks/Reading:

Authors Title Publisher Year ISBN

Graham Allison/Philip

Zelikov

Christopher Hill:

Essence of Decision.

Explaining the Cuban

Missile Crisis. Second

Edition

The Changing Politics of

Foreign Policy

Longman

Palgrave

Macmillan

1999

2003

0-321-01349-2

0-333-75423-9

Recommended Textbooks/Reading:

Authors Title Publisher Year ISBN

J.M. Roberts

Richard Goff et al

The New Penguin History of

the World

The Twentieth History: A

Brief Global History

Penguin

MacGraw-Hill

2008

2007

9780141030425

978-0-070-

320692-9