HIS 2705E: A Global History of International Relations since 1648

Course Description

This course examines international relations since the Treaty of Westphalia and the birth of the “sovereign state” in 1648. As opposed to just privileging the so-called Great Powers in our discussions of the history of international relations, this course will examine the role of the smaller states and non-state actors in the international arena, considering how their actions shaped the course of global events as well. To this end, the course will explore how we as historians have conceived international relations and how international relations have been defined by various state and non-state actors.

Required Texts

Main Textbooks:

  • Derek McKay and H. M. Scott, The Rise of the Great Powers, 1648-1815. (Longman, 1983).
  • F. R. Bridge and Roger Bullen, The Great Powers and the European State System, 1814-1914. (2nd ed., Longman, 2004).
  • William R. Keylor, The Twentieth Century World and Beyond. (5th ed., Oxford, 2005)

Required Supplemental:

  • Gordon Martel, The Origins of the First World War. (3rd ed., Longman, 2004)* 

*The Martel book is for the second-term essay.

  • Course Package

Optional Book:

  • Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History. (6th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010)

Evaluation

Participation:               20%

Mid-term exam:          20%

Document study:        20% (2 @ 10% each)

Essay:                          20% (On the Origins of the First World War)

Final exam:                  20%

 

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General Information